Mixing apparatus, mixer-settler unit and application

Abstract

Mixing apparatus (100), mixer settler unit (200) and applications for mixing two solutions. The mixing apparatus (100) comprises a mixing device (1) arranged in a mixing space (6) to rotate therein, the mixing device (1) comprising at least two screw shafts (2a, 2b) supported around a shaft (3) and raised upward from the bottom of the mixing space (6), the screw shafts (2a, 2b) being fixed to the shaft (3) by support spokes (4). The ratio of the diameter (D) of the mixing device to the average diameter (T) of the mixing space, i.e. D / T, is at most 0.47.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This invention relates to a mixing apparatus for mixing two solutions.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a mixer settling unit.

[0003] The present invention further relates to the application of mixing equipment.

[0004] Mixer arrangements are used in solvent extraction processes to maintain the dispersion by providing thorough mixing, thereby extending the contact time between the two liquid phases. In a mixer arrangement, the mixer causes the dispersion to circulate slowly within a mixing space, thus preventing liquid sedimentation. However, there remains a need to enhance and accelerate solvent extraction processes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] From a first perspective, a mixing apparatus for mixing two solutions can be provided, wherein the mixing apparatus includes a mixing device arranged in a mixing space for rotation therein, the mixing device including at least two helical rods supported about an axis and rising upward from the bottom of the mixing space, the helical rods being fixed to the axis by support spokes, wherein the ratio of the diameter D of the mixing device to the average diameter T of the mixing space (i.e., D / T) is at most 0.47.

[0006] Therefore, a mixing device can be realized that shortens the separation time of the liquid phase in a settling unit, the settling unit being arranged to receive material from the mixing device.

[0007] On the other hand, a mixer settling unit can be provided, which includes a mixing device as described above, and a settling unit arranged for receiving material from the mixing device.

[0008] Therefore, a highly efficient mixer settling unit can be achieved.

[0009] From another perspective, the mixing equipment described above can be used for solvent extraction in the hydrometallurgical recovery of metals.

[0010] Therefore, a rapid and efficient solvent extraction process can be achieved.

[0011] The features of the device, mixer-settler unit, and application are those set forth in the independent claims. Features of some other embodiments are those set forth in other claims. Embodiments of the invention are also disclosed in the specification and drawings of this patent application. The invention of this patent application may also be defined in ways other than those defined in the following claims.

[0012] In one embodiment, the ratio D / T is selected in the range of 0.38 to 0.47. An advantage is that it can shorten the separation time of the liquid phase in the settling unit arranged to receive material from the mixing device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the ratio D / T is selected in the range of 0.40 to 0.45. An advantage is that the separation time of the liquid phase in the settling tank unit, arranged to receive material from the mixing device, can be optimized in relation to the power consumption of the mixing device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the ratio of the height H of the screw to the liquid level L (i.e., H / L) is 0.6 to 0.9, preferably 0.8 to 0.9. This has the advantage of increasing the device's ability to maintain the dispersion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the ratio of the height H of the auger to its diameter D (i.e., H / D) is at least 1, preferably 1.5 to 2. This has the advantage of increasing the device's ability to maintain the dispersion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the mixing device includes at least three screws. The advantage is that it can increase the amount of pressure pulses exerted on the dispersion per revolution of the mixing device.

[0017] In one embodiment, the helical rod has a circular profile. The advantage is that it produces lower localized shear forces.

[0018] In one embodiment, the diameter of the screw is selected in the range of 0.03×T to 0.05×T. This has the advantage of enhancing the mixing properties of the screw.

[0019] In one embodiment, the support spokes are straight, with one end attached to the auger and the other end arranged to the shaft, wherein the angle between the spokes and the shaft is 75° to 105°, preferably 85° to 95°, and more preferably 90°. The advantage is that it reduces interference from the spokes on the flow generated by the auger.

[0020] In one embodiment, the number of support spokes is 6 to 12. The advantage is that a good balance can be achieved between initial investment costs and the structural strength of the mixing unit.

[0021] In one embodiment, the support spokes have a circular profile. The advantage is that this results in lower localized shear forces.

[0022] In one embodiment, the mixing space has an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the ratio of the diameter TU of the upper portion to the diameter TL of the lower portion is selected in the range of 0.8 to 1.2, preferably in the range of 0.9 to 1.1. An advantage is that the shape of the mixing space can be achieved, which facilitates the formation and maintenance of the dispersion.

[0023] In one embodiment, the mixing space has a cylindrical shape. The advantage is that the shape of the mixing space can be designed to facilitate the formation and maintenance of the dispersion.

[0024] In one embodiment, the mixing space has a truncated cone shape. An advantage is that the mixing space can be manufactured, for example, by casting.

[0025] In one embodiment, the average diameter of the mixing space is at least 1000 mm, preferably 1000 mm to 5000 mm. An advantage is that it enables the equipment to achieve production capacity suitable for industrial processes such as solvent extraction in the hydrometallurgical recovery of metals.

[0026] In one embodiment, the mixing space is provided with one or more blocking elements. The advantage is that the flow pattern of the mixing device can be optimized to form and maintain the dispersion.

[0027] In one embodiment, the locking element has a shape extending in the same direction as the shaft. The advantage is that the flow pattern of the mixing device can be optimized to form and maintain the dispersion.

[0028] In one embodiment, the locking element is arranged on the sidewall of the mixing space. The advantage is its simple structure.

[0029] In one embodiment, the locking element includes a baffle. The advantage is that it allows for an efficient structure for the working flow patterns of mixing equipment.

[0030] In one embodiment, the mixer-settler unit includes at least two mixing devices arranged in series, and the settler unit is configured to receive material from the last of the mixing devices. An advantage is that the retention time can be extended, thus achieving high efficiency even in demanding extraction processes.

[0031] In one embodiment, a mixing device is provided for solvent extraction in the hydrometallurgical recovery of at least one metal, preferably selected from copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), uranium (U), and boron (B). The advantage is that it enables a rapid and efficient process in metal recovery. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Some embodiments illustrating this disclosure are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1This is a schematic side view of a mixer settling tank unit in a partial cross-section;

[0034] Figure 2 It is a schematic three-dimensional view of the mixing equipment in a partial cross-section;

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic side view of the mixing device of the mixing equipment shown;

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic top view of the mixing device of the mixing equipment shown;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic side view illustrating the flow pattern of the mixing device;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic side view showing the flow pattern of another mixing device;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic side view showing the flow pattern of the third mixing device;

[0040] Figure 8 The power requirements of some devices are shown; and

[0041] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 The separation time results of the device are shown in the figure.

[0042] In the accompanying drawings, some embodiments are shown in a simplified manner for clarity. Similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of the mixer-settler unit in a partial cross-section. The mixer-settler unit 200 can be used in solvent extraction methods for the hydrometallurgical recovery of metals. In the mixing apparatus 100, two mutually insoluble or sparingly soluble solutions supplied from, for example, a pump in the mixing apparatus 100 are mixed together to form a dispersion. After mixing, the dispersion is conveyed to the settler unit 201, where the purpose is to further separate the dispersion into upper and lower pure layers.

[0044] The mixer settling unit 200 may include a mixing device 100 (such as...) Figure 1 (As shown) or two or more mixing devices 100 arranged in series. In the latter case, a settling unit 201 is arranged to receive material from the last of the mixing devices 100. The settling unit 201 may include one or more units.

[0045] The mixing device 100 includes a mixing unit 1 arranged in a mixing space 6 for rotation therein. The mixing unit 1 includes at least two helical rods 2a, 2b attached to and about a shaft 3. The shaft is rotated by a motor 8 (i.e., an electric motor).

[0046] In addition to the mixing device 100 and the settling unit 201, the mixer settling unit 200 may include other equipment such as pumps, pipes, etc.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic 3D view of a portion of the mixing equipment in cross-section. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic side view of the mixing device of the mixing equipment shown. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic top view of the mixing device of the mixing equipment shown.

[0048] The mixing device 100 includes a mixing unit 1 arranged in a mixing space 6. The mixing unit 1 includes at least two helical rods 2a and 2b, which are supported about an axis 3 and rise upwards from the bottom of the mixing space 6. The rotation direction R of the mixing unit is... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. However, it should be noted that if the rising directions of rods 2a and 2b are... Figure 2 If the directions shown are opposite, then the rotation direction R is also opposite. Figure 2 The directions shown are opposite.

[0049] In one embodiment, the mixing device 1 is arranged at a certain distance from the bottom wall of the mixing space 6, such as... Figure 1 The best illustration is shown below. The distance can be, for example, between 3% and 16% (e.g., 5%) of the average diameter T of the mixing space. An advantage is that the mixing device 1 is easy to install and maintain in the apparatus. In another embodiment, the mixing device 1 is arranged to contact the bottom wall of the mixing space 6. The shaft 3 can be mounted to the bottom wall, for example, via bearings. An advantage is that the mixing device is supported at both ends, thus its structure is robust.

[0050] In one embodiment, the pitch angle of rods 2a and 2b is selected to be between 10° and 30° with respect to the horizontal plane. In another embodiment, the pitch angle is selected within the range of 11° to 25°.

[0051] In one embodiment, rods 2a and 2b travel two full revolutions around axis 3. Support spokes 4 secure the helical rods 2a and 2b to axis 3. However, it should be noted that rods 2a and 2b may travel more or less than two full revolutions.

[0052] The ratio (i.e., D / T) of the diameter D of the mixing device 1 to the average diameter T of the mixing space is at most 0.47. In one embodiment, the ratio D / T is selected in the range of 0.38 to 0.47. In another embodiment, the ratio D / T is selected in the range of 0.40 to 0.45. Figures 5 to 7 The effect of the ratio D / T on the mixing efficiency of the mixing device 100 is discussed in more detail.

[0053] In one embodiment, the ratio of the height H of the screw rods 2a and 2b to the liquid level height L (i.e., H / L) is 0.6 to 0.9. In another embodiment, the ratio H / L is 0.8 to 0.9.

[0054] In one embodiment, the ratio of the height H of the screw rods 2a and 2b to the diameter D of the mixing device 1 (i.e., H / D) is at least 1. In one embodiment, H / D is 1.5 to 2.

[0055] In one embodiment (not shown), the mixing device 1 includes at least three screw rods 2a, 2b.

[0056] In one embodiment, the helical rods 2a and 2b may include, for example, metal tubes.

[0057] In one embodiment, the helical rods 2a and 2b have a circular profile. The diameter of the circular rods 2a and 2b can be selected in the range of, for example, 0.03×T to 0.05×T.

[0058] In another embodiment, the profiles of the screw rods 2a and 2b are elliptical. In yet another embodiment, the profiles of the screw rods 2a and 2b are polygonal.

[0059] In one embodiment, the support spoke 4 is straight, with its first end attached to the helical rods 2a and 2b, and its second end arranged to the shaft 3. The support spoke 4 shown in the figure is conceived as a circular metallic tubular material. In another embodiment, the outline is elliptical. In yet another embodiment, the shape is polygonal.

[0060] In one embodiment, the helical rods 2a and 2b and the support spokes 4 all have a circular shape. The diameter of the spokes 4 may be at least substantially the same as the diameter of the helical rod, or alternatively, the diameter may be substantially different.

[0061] The angle between the spokes 4 and the shaft 3 is selected in the range of 75° to 105°. In one embodiment, the angle is 85° to 95°. In another embodiment, the angle is 90° or at least substantially 90°.

[0062] In one embodiment, the number of support spokes 4 is selected from six to twelve. The support spokes 4 are arranged at several positions or heights along the height H of the helical rod. In one embodiment, the support spokes 4 are arranged at three to six horizontal positions (levels). Figures 2 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the spokes are arranged on six horizontally spaced at regular intervals along the height H, and the uppermost and lowermost spokes are arranged at the uppermost and lowermost ends of the auger, respectively, or at least very close to the uppermost and lowermost ends.

[0063] In one embodiment, the mixing space 6 has a circular cross-section when viewed from above. The mixing space 6 has an upper part and a lower part. The upper part has an upper diameter TU, and the lower part has a lower diameter TL. The upper diameter TU is the diameter measured at the horizontal level of the upper end of the screw rod, and the lower diameter TL is the diameter measured at the horizontal level of the lower ends of the screw rods 2a and 2b (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown).

[0064] In one embodiment, the ratio of the upper diameter TU to the lower diameter TL (i.e., TU / TL) is selected in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 (0.9 to 1.1 in another embodiment).

[0065] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the mixing space 6 has a cylindrical shape. In another embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the mixing space 6 has a truncated conical shape, wherein the diameter TU is greater than the diameter TL. In another embodiment (not shown), the mixing space 6 has a truncated conical shape, wherein the diameter TL is greater than the diameter TU. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the shape of the mixing space 6 is a combination of a cylindrical shape and a conical shape.

[0066] In one embodiment, the average diameter T of the mixing space is at least 1000 mm, preferably 1000 mm to 5000 mm.

[0067] In one embodiment, the mixing space 6 is provided with one or more locking elements 5. The locking element 5 has a shape that extends in the same direction as the shaft 3. Therefore, the locking element 5 rises from the lower part of the mixing space 6 toward its upper part.

[0068] In one embodiment, the height of the locking element 5 extends at least from the level of the lowest end of the screw rods 2a and 2b to the level of the highest end of the screw rods. In another embodiment, the locking element 5 extends to or exceeds the level of the liquid level L. In yet another embodiment, the height of the locking element 5 is less than the height H of the screw rods.

[0069] In one embodiment, the locking element 5 is disposed or attached to the sidewall 7 of the mixing space. In one embodiment, the entire length of the locking element 5 is in contact with the sidewall 7. In another embodiment, the locking element 5 is attached to the sidewall 7, but spaced apart from the sidewall by a support element 9.

[0070] In one embodiment, the locking element 5 is a partition. The partition may be a vertical partition. In another embodiment, the partition is arranged at a position offset from the vertical direction.

[0071] In one embodiment, the locking element 5 includes a tube. The tube may be, for example, part of a temperature control system (not shown) for a mixing space.

[0072] Figure 5 This is a schematic side view illustrating the flow pattern of the mixing device. Figure 6 This is a schematic side view illustrating the flow pattern of another mixing device. Figure 7 This is a schematic side view showing the flow pattern of the third mixing device. In all these mixing devices, the diameter T of the mixing space is 2000 mm, and the tip speed of the mixing device is the same in all devices.

[0073] Figure 5 A mixing device 100 is shown, wherein the ratio of the diameter D of the mixing device to the average diameter T of the mixing space (i.e., D / T) is 0.45. The support spokes 4 are straight and attached to the shaft 3 such that the angle between the spokes and the shaft is 90°.

[0074] It is readily apparent that the flow pattern comprises a uniform downward flow near the sidewalls of the mixing space 6. This uniform flow minimizes the energy required for sufficient vertical flow, which counteracts the gravitational separation of the dispersion maintained within the mixing space 6. Because the energy required to guide the dispersion is low, the formation of small droplets within the dispersion is avoided or at least reduced. This phenomenon also helps maintain the dispersion.

[0075] Figure 6 A mixing device 100 is shown, wherein the ratio of the diameter D of the mixing device to the average diameter T of the mixing space (i.e., D / T) is 0.50. The support spokes 4 are straight and attached to the shaft 3 such that there is an angle of approximately 30° between the spokes and the shaft.

[0076] It can be seen that, with Figure 5 Compared to the flow patterns shown, the flow circulation loop along the axial direction is more fragmented and localized.

[0077] Figure 7A mixing device 100 is shown, wherein the ratio of the diameter D of the mixing device to the average diameter T of the mixing space (i.e., D / T) is 0.50. The support spokes 4 are straight and attached to the shaft 3 such that the angle between the spokes and the shaft is 90°.

[0078] Here, with Figure 5 Compared to the flow patterns shown, the flow circulation loop along the axial direction is more fragmented and localized.

[0079] Figure 8 The power requirements (in watts (W) of some of the equipment used in the experiment are shown. Figure 9 The separation time results (in seconds) from the experiment are shown. The diameter D of the mixing device was varied during the experiment, resulting in D / T values ​​of 0.7, 0.45, and 0.37. All other dimensions and variables in the experiment were kept constant.

[0080] from Figure 8 As can be seen, the power required to maintain the dispersion in the entire solution volume increases with the increase of diameter D.

[0081] Figure 9 The diagram shows the time required for phase disengagement (i.e., the dispersion separating again into two pure layers) to occur in the settling unit (where the dispersion produced by the mixing equipment is supplied). It can be seen that the phase disengagement (time) is shortest and therefore most efficient when D / T is 0.45.

[0082] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above; rather, many variations are possible within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the following claims. Within the scope of this inventive concept, attributes of different embodiments and applications may be used in combination with or in lieu of attributes of another embodiment or application.

[0083] The accompanying drawings and related descriptions are intended only to illustrate the concept of the invention. Variations in detail may be made within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the following claims.

[0084] Figure Labels

[0085] 1. Mixing device

[0086] 2a, 2b Screw rods

[0087] 3-axis

[0088] 4 Support spokes

[0089] 5. Locking elements

[0090] 6 Mixed Space

[0091] 7. Sidewalls

[0092] 8 motors

[0093] 9 Supporting elements

[0094] 100 Mixing Equipment

[0095] 200 Mixer Settling Unit

[0096] 201 Settling Unit

[0097] D. Diameter of the mixing device

[0098] H Height of the screw rod

[0099] L liquid level height

[0100] R Rotation direction

[0101] T is the diameter of the mixing space.

[0102] TL lower diameter

[0103] TU upper diameter

Claims

1. A mixing apparatus (100) for mixing two solutions in a solvent extraction process, wherein, The mixing device (100) includes a mixing unit (1) and a mixing space (6), wherein the mixing unit is arranged in the mixing space (6) for rotation therein. - The mixing device (1) includes at least two helical rods (2a, 2b), which are supported around an axis (3) and rise upward from the bottom of the mixing space (6). - The helical rods (2a, 2b) are fixed to the shaft (3) by support spokes (4), wherein The ratio D / T of the diameter D of the mixing device to the average diameter T of the mixing space is selected in the range of 0.38 to 0.47, and the settling unit is arranged to receive material from the mixing device (100).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio D / T is selected in the range of 0.40 to 0.

45.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio H / L of the height H of the screw rods (2a, 2b) to the liquid level height L is 0.6 to 0.

9.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio H / D of the height H of the helical rods (2a, 2b) to the diameter D is at least 1.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The mixing device (1) includes at least three screw rods (2a, 2b).

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The helical rods (2a, 2b) have a circular profile.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein, The diameter of the helical rods (2a, 2b) is selected in the range of 0.03×T to 0.05×T.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The support spoke (4) is straight, with its first end attached to the helical rod (2a, 2b) and its second end arranged to the shaft (3), wherein the angle between the spoke (4) and the shaft (3) is 75° to 105°.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The number of the support spokes (4) is 6 to 12.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The support spokes (4) have a circular outline.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The mixing space (6) has an upper part and a lower part, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the upper part to the diameter of the lower part is selected in the range of 0.8 to 1.

2.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The mixing space (6) has a cylindrical shape.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The mixing space (6) has a truncated cone shape.

14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The average diameter T of the mixing space is at least 1000 mm.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The mixing space (6) is provided with one or more locking elements (5).

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein, The locking element (5) has a shape that extends in the same direction as the shaft (3).

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein, The locking element (5) is arranged on the side wall (7) of the mixing space.

18. The device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, The locking element (5) includes a partition.

19. The device according to claim 3, wherein, The ratio H / L of the height H of the screw rods (2a, 2b) to the liquid level (L) is 0.8 to 0.

9.

20. The device according to claim 4, wherein, The ratio H / D of the height H of the helical rod (2a, 2b) to the diameter D is 1.5 to 2.

21. The device according to claim 8, wherein the angle between the spokes (4) and the shaft (3) is 85° to 95°.

22. The device according to claim 8, wherein the angle between the spokes (4) and the shaft (3) is 90°.

23. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The mixing space (6) has an upper part and a lower part, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the upper part to the diameter of the lower part is selected in the range of 0.9 to 1.

1.

24. The device according to claim 14, wherein, The average diameter T of the mixing space is between 1000 mm and 5000 mm.

25. A mixer settling unit (200), comprising a mixing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, and A settling unit (201) is arranged to receive material from the mixing device (100).

26. The mixer settling unit (200) according to claim 25, comprising at least two mixing devices (100) arranged in series, and The settling unit (201) is arranged to receive material from the last mixing device (100).

27. The application of the mixing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 24 for solvent extraction in the hydrometallurgical recovery of metals.

28. The application according to claim 27, wherein the metal is selected from copper, nickel, cobalt, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, uranium, and boron.

Images