TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a fluid mixing device. More particularly relates to a fluid aeration device that may be utilized for dissolving air into a fluid.

BACKGROUND ART

[0001] The alarming rate of water depletion on Earth means that we are facing critical water scarcity in most areas of the world. In fact, in certain areas, we are already there. It is known that the amount of freshwater consumption around the world has doubled during the past two decades. Accordingly, it is necessary to find ways to reduce the amount of water used to avoid a lack of sufficient available freshwater resources.

[0002] One way to address the issue of water scarcity is by utilizing technical solutions in plumbing equipment that may allow for decreasing the amount of water and energy that is being consumed. To this end, various devices, such as mechanical limiters, aerators, and reducers of water flow may be utilized that may either be factory-fitted in plumbing equipment or additional devices that may be added to existing plumbing systems. Various water-saving devices have been produced and marketed, such as water-saving nozzles that are developed to reduce the water flow rate as much as possible, while maintaining the spray force of water or even improving the coverage area of water discharged from the nozzle. Examples of such devices may be found in WO2019084633A1 or US4123800. In such devices, ambient air is sucked in and injected into the stream of water, and this way, a lower flow rate of water may produce a higher spray force and a larger coverage area.

[0003] Such devices may be associated with issues, including but not limited to being application-specific, meaning that most of these water-saving devices are designed for a particular use. For example, a water-saving shower or a water-saving faucet with fittings cannot be generally used on other water outlets. Low efficiency and high prices are among other issues that make these devices less appealing to the public.

[0004] There is, therefore, a need for a device that may be able to inject a significant amount of air into the stream of water to increase the spray force of water while significantly reducing the amount of water consumption. There is further a need for a device that may be added to existing water outlets such as showers, hoses, faucets, and other water outlets such as those in washing machines and dishwashers.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of the present disclosure and is not intended to identify essential elements or key elements of the subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed implementations. The proper scope of the present disclosure may be ascertained from the claims set forth below in view of the detailed description and the drawings.

[0006] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a device for mixing a secondary fluid in a primary fluid. An exemplary device may include a fluid conduit configured to allow for the primary fluid to flow through the fluid conduit along a first flow direction. An exemplary fluid conduit may include a first portion with a first cross- sectional area of flow and a second portion with a second cross-sectional area of flow downstream of the first portion. The first cross-sectional area of flow may be smaller than the second cross-sectional area of flow, such that a shoulder may be formed between the first portion and the second portion. An exemplary device may further include an inlet port connected in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. An exemplary inlet port may be configured to allow for discharging the secondary fluid into a discharge area within the second portion along a second flow direction. An exemplary discharge area may be adjacent and downstream of the shoulder.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, a cross-sectional area of flow within the fluid conduit may suddenly increase from the first portion to the second portion forming the shoulder with a plane of the shoulder perpendicular to a centerline of the fluid conduit.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the second flow direction may be parallel with the first flow direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the second flow direction may be perpendicular to the first flow direction. In an exemplary embodiment, an angle between the first flow direction and the second flow direction is between 0° and 180° .

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, a ratio of the first cross-sectional area to the second cross- sectional area may be between 0.01 and 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the primary fluid is a liquid, and the secondary fluid is a gas. In an exemplary embodiment, the primary fluid is water, and the secondary fluid is air. [0010] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a device for mixing a secondary fluid in a primary fluid. An exemplary device may include a first fluid conduit configured to allow for the primary fluid to flow through the first fluid conduit along a first flow direction, a second fluid conduit disposed within the first fluid conduit, the second fluid conduit configured to allow for discharging the secondary fluid into the first fluid conduit along a second flow direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the second fluid conduit may be parallel with the first fluid conduit. In an exemplary embodiment, a first cross-sectional area of the first conduit larger than a second cross-sectional area of the second conduit. In an exemplary embodiment, a ratio of the first cross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area may be between 0.01 and 1.

[0011] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a method for mixing a secondary fluid in a primary fluid. An exemplary method may include pumping the primary fluid through a fluid conduit. An exemplary fluid conduit may include a first portion with a first cross-sectional area of flow and a second portion with a second cross- sectional area of flow downstream of the first portion. The first cross-sectional area of flow may be smaller than the second cross-sectional area of flow, such that a shoulder may be formed between the first portion and the second portion. An exemplary method may further include mixing the secondary fluid with the primary fluid by introducing the secondary fluid into a discharge area within the second portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the discharge area may be adjacent and downstream of the shoulder.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, pumping the primary fluid through the fluid conduit may include pumping the primary fluid through the fluid conduit in a first flow direction, and introducing the secondary fluid into the discharge area comprises introducing the secondary fluid into the discharge area in a second flow direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional side view of an exemplary fluid conduit 10 with a sudden axisymmetric increase in cross-sectional area, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; [0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional side view of an exemplary fluid conduit 20 with a sudden axisymmetric increase in cross-sectional area, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG 3A illustrates a sectional side view of a device for mixing a secondary fluid into a primary fluid, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of a device for mixing a secondary fluid into a primary fluid, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 3C illustrates a sectional side view of a device for mixing a secondary fluid into a primary fluid with parallel injection, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 3D illustrates a perspective view of a device for mixing a secondary fluid into a primary fluid with parallel injection, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional side view of a device for mixing a secondary fluid into a primary fluid, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0021] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings related to the exemplary embodiments. However, it should be apparent that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, without detail, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings.

[0022] The following detailed description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the methods and devices disclosed in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the disclosed exemplary embodiments. Descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the exemplary implementations will be plain to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations and applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown but is to be accorded the broadest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0023] The present disclosure is directed to a device for mixing a secondary fluid such as air into a primary fluid such as water for purposes that may include but is not limited to, for example, reducing water consumption in domestic or industrial water outlets. An exemplary device may include a fluid conduit that may have two portions with different cross-sectional areas of flow. An exemplary first portion that may be connected to a pressurized primary fluid source, such as a water faucet and an exemplary second portion that may be connected in fluid communication with the exemplary first portion. An exemplary first portion may have a first cross-sectional area, and an exemplary second portion may have a second cross-sectional area. The first cross-sectional area may be smaller than the second cross-sectional area. Since a cross-sectional area of an exemplary first portion is smaller than a cross-sectional area of an exemplary second portion, a shoulder may be formed between the exemplary first portion and the exemplary second portion. For example, for an exemplary cylindrical first portion that may be connected to a cylindrical second portion, connecting the exemplary first portion and the exemplary second portion may form an annular shoulder between the exemplary first portion and the exemplary second portion. As a pressurized primary fluid flows through an exemplary fluid conduit of sudden increasing cross-sectional area as described above, a significant amount of energy may be transferred from the primary fluid flow irreversibly to recirculating eddies that may form within an exemplary second portion of the exemplary fluid conduit downstream of the exemplary shoulder. An exemplary flow of a primary fluid in such an exemplary fluid conduit of a sudden increasing cross-sectional area may be subjected to an adverse pressure gradient, which may result in flow separation from exemplary walls of the exemplary fluid conduit as the cross-sectional area suddenly increases. After flowing a certain distance within an exemplary second portion of an exemplary fluid conduit from an exemplary shoulder, the flow of the primary fluid may reattach the exemplary walls of the exemplary fluid conduit. This certain distance may be referred to herein as a reattachment length.

[0024] An exemplary fluid conduit may further include inlet ports that may open into an exemplary second portion of the exemplary fluid conduit within a discharge zone downstream of an exemplary shoulder of the exemplary fluid conduit. An exemplary discharge zone may be a zone immediately downstream of the exemplary shoulder where flow detachment from the exemplary walls occurs. An exemplary discharge zone may have a length equal to an exemplary reattachment length within the exemplary second portion of the exemplary fluid conduit. In an exemplary discharge zone, a recirculation zone may be formed due to flow detachment. An exemplary recirculation area may have relatively low pressure. This exemplary low-pressure discharge zone may create suction within inlet ports that may open into the exemplary discharge zone. This suction may be utilized for introducing an exemplary secondary fluid, such as air, into a stream of the primary fluid. An exemplary secondary fluid may be sucked into an exemplary fluid conduit an may be mixed with an exemplary primary fluid downstream of an exemplary discharge zone.

[0025] For example, an exemplary primary fluid may be water, and an exemplary secondary fluid may be air. In this example, the exemplary device may be connected to a water faucet, and as water from the water faucet flows into the exemplary device, air may be sucked into the water stream. In exemplary embodiments, such introduction of air into a water stream may allow for providing higher spray forces for lower water flow rates, which may significantly save water. Accordingly, an exemplary device for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid may find various applications and may be used as a water-saving device in domestic and industrial settings, an aeration device that may find application in, for example, water treatment plants.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional side view of an exemplary fluid conduit 10 with a sudden axisymmetric increase in cross-sectional area of flow, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, fluid conduit 10 may include a first portion 12 and a second portion 14 that may be connected or may alternatively be integrally formed. First portion 12 may have a first cross-sectional area of flow, and second portion 14 may have a second cross-sectional area of flow. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cross-sectional area of flow may be smaller than the second cross-sectional area of flow. In an exemplary embodiment, a sudden increase in cross-sectional area of fluid conduit 10 may form a shoulder 16 between first portion 12 and second portion 14. In an exemplary axisymmetric sudden expansion in cross-sectional area, first portion 12 may be concentric with second portion 14. In an exemplary embodiment, fluid conduit 10 may be configured to allow for a pressurized fluid 18 to flow through fluid conduit 10. For example, fluid conduit 10 may be connected to a pressurized fluid source, such as a water faucet.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, as pressurized fluid 18 flows through fluid conduit 10, due to sudden expansion within fluid conduit 10, pressurized fluid flow 18 may be subjected to an adverse pressure gradient, which may result in flow separation from a wall 102 of fluid conduit 10 as the cross-sectional area suddenly increases. A low-pressure recirculation zone 108 may be formed as a result of sudden expansion, immediately downstream of shoulder 16. In other words, toroidal vortexes and turbulence may be created in low-pressure recirculation zone 108, and the pressure of fluid flow 18 significantly decreases in low-pressure recirculation zone 108. For example, in an axisymmetric sudden expansion configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, low-pressure zone 108 may be formed immediately downstream of shoulder 16. In an exemplary embodiment, as fluid 18 flows through fluid conduit 10, fluid 18 may reattach to wall 102 of fluid conduit 10, and a distance from shoulder 16 to a point 104, at which fluid 18 flow reattaches wall 102 may be referred to herein as a reattachment length 106. In exemplary embodiments, low-pressure zone 108 may be utilized to provide suction for introducing a secondary fluid into the stream of fluid 18.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional side view of an exemplary fluid conduit 20 with a sudden axisymmetric increase in cross-sectional area, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, fluid conduit 20 may include a first portion 22 and a second portion 24 that may be connected or may alternatively be integrally formed. First portion 22 may have a first cross-sectional area of flow, and second portion 24 may have a second cross-sectional area of flow. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cross-sectional area of flow may be smaller than the second cross-sectional area of flow. In an exemplary embodiment, a sudden increase in cross-sectional area of fluid conduit 20 may form a shoulder 26 between first portion 22 and second portion 24. In an exemplary embodiment, fluid conduit 20 may be configured to allow for a pressurized fluid 28 to flow through fluid conduit 20. For example, fluid conduit 20 may be connected to a pressurized fluid source, such as a water faucet. In an exemplary embodiment, as pressurized fluid 28 flows through fluid conduit 20, due to sudden expansion within fluid conduit 20, pressurized fluid flow 28 may be subjected to an adverse pressure gradient, which may result in flow separation from a wall 202 of fluid conduit 20 as the cross-sectional area suddenly increases. In an exemplary embodiment, as fluid 28 flows through fluid conduit 20, fluid 28 may reattach to wall 202 of fluid conduit 20, and a distance from shoulder 26 to a point 204, at which fluid 28 flow reattaches wall 202 may be referred to herein as a reattachment length 206. A low-pressure recirculation zone may be formed as a result of sudden expansion, immediately downstream of shoulder 26. In exemplary embodiments, such low-pressure zone 208 may be utilized to provide suction for introducing a secondary fluid into the stream of fluid 28.

[0029] FIG. 3A illustrates a sectional side view of a device 30 for mixing a secondary fluid into a primary fluid, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of device 30 for mixing a secondary fluid into a primary fluid, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, device 30 may include a first portion 32 and a second portion 34 that may be connected or may alternatively be integrally formed. First portion 32 may have a first cross-sectional area of flow, and second portion 34 may have a second cross- sectional area of flow. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cross-sectional area of flow may be smaller than the second cross-sectional area of flow. In an exemplary embodiment, a sudden increase in cross-sectional area of device 30 may form a shoulder 36 between first portion 32 and second portion 34. In an exemplary axisymmetric sudden expansion in cross-sectional area, first portion 32 may be concentric with second portion 34. In an exemplary embodiment, device 30 may be configured to allow for a pressurized primary fluid 38 to flow through device 30. For example, device 30 may be connected to a pressurized fluid source, such as a water faucet. In an exemplary embodiment, a plane of shoulder 36 perpendicular to a centerline of device 30 and a ratio of the cross-sectional area of flow within first portion 32 to the cross-sectional area of flow within second portion 34 may be between 0.01 and 1.

[0030] As discussed in detail, in connection with FIGs. 1 and 2, in an exemplary embodiment, as pressurized primary fluid 38 flows through device 30, due to sudden expansion within device 30, pressurized primary fluid flow 38 may be subjected to an adverse pressure gradient, which may result in flow separation from a wall 302 of device 30 as the cross-sectional area suddenly increases. A low-pressure recirculation zone 308 may be formed as a result of sudden expansion, immediately downstream of shoulder 36. For example, in an axisymmetric sudden expansion configuration, as shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B, low-pressure zone 308 may be formed immediately downstream of shoulder 36. In an exemplary embodiment, as primary fluid 38 flows through device 30, primary fluid 38 may reattach to wall 302 of device 30, and a distance from shoulder 36 to a point 304, at which primary fluid 38 flow reattaches wall 302 may be referred to herein as a reattachment length 306. In exemplary embodiments, low-pressure zone 308 may be utilized to provide suction for introducing a secondary fluid 312 into the stream of primary fluid 38. [0031] In an exemplary embodiment, device 30 may further include at least one inlet port 310 that may penetrate through wall 302 and open into low-pressure zone 308. In an exemplary embodiment, inlet port 310 may open into low-pressure zone 308 anywhere on wall 302 along reattachment length 306. The suction created in low-pressure zone 308 due to the flow of pressurized primary fluid 38 may allow for introducing secondary fluid 312 into the stream of primary fluid 38 through inlet port 310. For example, low-pressure zone 308 may be connected in fluid communication to ambient air via inlet port 310 and ambient air as secondary fluid 312 may be sucked into the stream of primary fluid 38 through inlet port 310. In this example, primary fluid 38 may be water. In exemplary embodiments, the significant pressure difference between low-pressure zone 308 and ambient air may allow for introducing a considerable amount of air into the stream of water. In an exemplary embodiment, inlet port 310 may further be connected in fluid communication with a pressurized source of primary fluid 38.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, device 30 may include a plurality of inlet ports, such as inlet port 310, inlet port 310a, and inlet port 310b that may open into device 30 around a periphery of second portion 34 near shoulder 36, such that the plurality of inlet ports may all open into low-pressure zone 308. It should be understood that the opposite half of device 30, not seen in FIG. 3B would include a similar number of inlet ports. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of inlet ports may be any desired number around the periphery of second portion 34.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one inlet port, such as inlet port 310 may be provided for supplying one or more fluids for mixing with primary fluid or for aeration of primary fluid. The plurality of inlet ports, such as inlet port 310, inlet port 310a, and inlet port 310b may deliver secondary fluid 312 downstream from shoulder 36 of device 30 into primary fluid 38. In exemplary embodiments, after primary fluid 38 and secondary fluid 312 are mixed within second portion 34 of device 30, a mixture of primary fluid 38 and secondary fluid 312 may be discharged as a mixed fluid stream 314. In an exemplary embodiment, mixed fluid stream 314 may be an aerated water stream that may provide high spray forces at relatively lower flow rates, which may contribute to saving water. In exemplary embodiments, device 30 may operate with various fluids as primary fluid 38, and also as secondary fluid 312, to provide mixing or aeration of fluids flowing through device 30.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, inlet ports, such as inlet port 310, inlet port 310a, and inlet port 310b may be connected to a secondary fluid source (not illustrated) by, for example, a plurality of conduits. In an exemplary embodiment, inlet ports, such as inlet port 310, inlet port 310a, and inlet port 310b may permit independent control of fluid flow by providing valves or other flow regulators and control members. To this end, a plurality of conduits equipped with such flow control instruments may provide fluid communication between inlet port 310, inlet port 310a, and inlet port 310b and a secondary fluid source.

[0035] FIG. 3C illustrates a sectional side view of device 30 for mixing a secondary fluid into a primary fluid with parallel injection, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3D illustrates a perspective view of device 30 for mixing a secondary fluid into a primary fluid with parallel injection, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, device 30 may include at least one inlet port 311 that may penetrate through wall 302 and open into low-pressure zone 308. In an exemplary embodiment, inlet port 311 may open into low-pressure zone 308 anywhere on shoulder 36. The suction created in low-pressure zone 308 due to the flow of pressurized primary fluid 38 may allow for introducing secondary fluid 313 into the stream of primary fluid 38 through inlet port 311. For example, low-pressure zone 308 may be connected in fluid communication to ambient air via inlet port 311 and ambient air as secondary fluid 313 may be sucked into the stream of primary fluid 38 through inlet port 311. In this example, primary fluid 38 may be water. In exemplary embodiments, the significant pressure difference between low-pressure zone 308 and ambient air may allow for introducing a considerable amount of air into the stream of water.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, device 30 may include a plurality of inlet ports 315, such as inlet port 311 and inlet port 311a, that may open into device 30 around a periphery of shoulder 36, such that the plurality of inlet ports 315 may all open into low-pressure zone 308. It should be understood that the opposite half of device 30, not visible in FIG. 3B would include other inlet ports. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of inlet ports 315 may be any desired number around the periphery of shoulder 36.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one inlet port, such as inlet port 311 may be provided for supplying one or more fluids for mixing with primary fluid or for aeration of primary fluid. Plurality of inlet ports 315 may deliver secondary fluid 313 downstream from shoulder 36 of device 30 into primary fluid 38. In exemplary embodiments, after primary fluid 38 and secondary fluid 313 are mixed within second portion 34 of device 30, a mixture of primary fluid 38 and secondary fluid 313 may be discharged as a mixed fluid stream 314. In an exemplary embodiment, mixed fluid stream 314 may be an aerated water stream that may provide high spray forces at relatively lower flow rates, which may contribute to saving water. In exemplary embodiments, device 30 may operate with various fluids as primary fluid 38, and also as secondary fluid 313, to provide mixing or aeration of fluids flowing through device 30.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, inlet ports, such as inlet port 311 may be connected to a secondary fluid source (not illustrated) by, for example, a plurality of conduits. In an exemplary embodiment, inlet ports, such as inlet port 311 may permit independent control of fluid flow by providing valves or other flow regulators and control members. To this end, a plurality of conduits equipped with such flow control instruments may provide fluid communication between inlet port 311 and a secondary fluid source.

[0040] In exemplary embodiments, utilizing the principles described in detail in connection to FIGs. 3A-3D, device 30 may allow for the introduction of a secondary fluid or a plurality of secondary fluid into the stream of the primary fluid flowing through device 30. Referring to FIGs. 3A and 3B, in an exemplary embodiment, secondary fluid 312 may be introduced along a first direction, which is perpendicular to the flow direction of primary fluid 38. Referring to FIGs. 3C and 3D, in an exemplary embodiment, secondary fluid 313 may be introduced along a second direction, which is parallel with flow direction of primary fluid 38. It should be understood that according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the secondary fluid may be introduced into the stream of the primary fluid at a direction that may make an angle between 0° and 180° with the flow direction of the primary flow. In other words, the secondary fluid may be discharged into the primary fluid along a second flow direction while the primary fluid is flowing within device 30 along a first flow direction. In exemplary embodiments, an angle between the first flow direction and the second flow direction may be between 0° and 180°.

[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional side view of a device 40 for mixing a secondary fluid 412 into a primary fluid 48, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, device 40 may include a first fluid conduit 42 that may be configured to allow for primary fluid 48 to flow through first fluid conduit 42 along a first flow direction and a second fluid conduit 44 that may be disposed within first fluid conduit 42. In an exemplary embodiment, second fluid conduit 44 may be configured to allow for discharging secondary fluid 412 into first fluid conduit 42 along a second flow direction. In an exemplary embodiment, second fluid conduit 44 may be parallel with first fluid conduit 42 and a first cross-sectional area of first fluid conduit 42 may be larger than a second cross-sectional area of second fluid conduit 44. In an exemplary embodiment, second fluid conduit 44 may be disposed within first fluid conduit 42, such that second fluid conduit 44 may partially extend along first fluid conduit 42 and an outlet 440 of second fluid conduit 44 may be positioned within first fluid conduit 42. This way, fluid flow within second fluid conduit 44 may be discharged within first fluid conduit 42. In addition, a partial extension of second fluid conduit 44 within first fluid conduit 42 may create a sudden increase in the first cross-sectional area of first fluid conduit 42. As was discussed in earlier sections, when pressurized primary fluid 48 flows through first fluid conduit 42, due to presence of second fluid conduit 44 within first fluid conduit 42, primary fluid may flow through a small cross-sectional area portion 420 and then at an outlet section 442 of second fluid conduit 44, flow cross-sectional area suddenly increases in a large cross-sectional portion 422 and primary fluid flow 48 may be subjected to an adverse pressure gradient, which may result in flow separation from a wall of device 40 as the cross- sectional area suddenly increases. This flow separation may lead to the generation of a low- pressure zone 408 immediately after outlet section 442 of second fluid conduit 44. In exemplary embodiments, such creation of low-pressure zone 408 may create suction within second fluid conduit 44. In an exemplary embodiment, secondary fluid 412 may be sucked into first fluid conduit 42 through second fluid conduit 44. For example, second fluid conduit 44 may be in fluid communication with ambient air, and when a primary fluid such as water flows through first fluid conduit 42, due to generation of low-pressure zone 408 within first fluid conduit 42, ambient air may be drawn into second fluid conduit 44 and may be introduced into the stream of water. In exemplary embodiments, this introduction of air into water under the suction generated as a result of water flowing within device 40 may allow for introduction of a significant amount of air into water. In exemplary embodiment, second fluid conduit 44 may be placed anywhere within first fluid conduit 42 provided that an outlet section 442 of second fluid conduit 44 may be positioned within first fluid conduit 42. For example, second fluid conduit 44 may be placed coaxially in the middle of first fluid conduit 42, or it may be placed adjacent the wall of first fluid conduit 42, as shown in FIG. 4. In exemplary embodiments, such placement of second fluid conduit 44 within first fluid conduit 42 and generation of low- pressure zone 408 due to flow of primary fluid 48 may allow for introduction and mixing of secondary fluid 412 within primary fluid 48 to obtain a mixed fluid 414 at a discharge of device 40. In exemplary embodiments, an angle between the first flow direction and the second flow direction may be between 0° and 180°.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, second fluid conduit 44 may be connected to a secondary fluid source (not illustrated). In an exemplary embodiment, second fluid conduit 44 may permit independent control of fluid flow by equipping second fluid conduit 44 with valves or other flow regulators and control members.

[0043] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure may further be directed to a method for mixing a secondary fluid in a primary fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary method for mixing an exemplary secondary fluid within an exemplary primary fluid may include an exemplary step of pumping an exemplary primary fluid through an exemplary fluid conduit. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid conduit may be a fluid conduit similar to fluid conduit 30. The exemplary method may further include an exemplary step of mixing the secondary fluid with the primary fluid by introducing the secondary fluid into a discharge area within second portion 34, where the discharge area may be adjacent and downstream of shoulder 36 within low-pressure zone 308.

[0044] An exemplary fluid mixing device, such as device 300 of FIGs. 3A-3D and device 400 of FIG. 4 may allow for combining an exemplary secondary fluid with an exemplary primary fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, the secondary fluid may be air, and the primary fluid may be water. In this case, an exemplary fluid mixing device may be utilized as a water aerator to reduce the amount of water consumed in domestic and industrial settings. An exemplary fluid mixing device, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may allow for combining air and water in order to reduce the amount of water discharged while maintaining a spray force and coverage of the discharged air/water stream. An exemplary fluid mixing device, such as device 300 of FIGs. 3A-3D and device 400 of FIG. 4 may be compatible with all valve types and may easily be installed on different water outlets.

[0045] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications, and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings. [0100] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are outlined in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0046] The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow. That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the prosecution history that follows and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed.

[0047] Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.

[0048] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms“comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by“a” or“an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0049] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure quickly. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped in various implementations. This is for purposes of streamlining the disclosure and is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed implementations require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed implementation. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0050] While various implementations have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more implementations and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the implementations. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature of any implementation may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other implementation unless specifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and/or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the implementations are not to be restricted except in the light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.