Method and device for discharging or extracting transport fluid from jet stream

Abstract

A method and apparatus for entraining particles from a transport fluid stream (4) with particles entrained therein into a jet fluid stream, wherein an effective amount of transport fluid is discharged or extracted prior to entraining particles into the jet fluid stream (6).

Description

priority

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 358,057, filed on July 1, 2022, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Discharging or Extracting a Transport Fluid from a Jet Stream,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] Particle blasting systems utilizing various types of blasting media are well known. Systems for entraining cryogenic particles, such as solid carbon dioxide particles, in a conveying fluid and directing the entrained particles toward an object / target and various components associated therewith, such as nozzles, are well known and are shown in U.S. Patents 4,744,181; 4,843,770; 5,018,667; 5,050,805; 5,071,289; 5,188,151; 5,249,426; 5,288,028; 5,301,509; 5,473,903; 5,520,572; 6,024,304; 6,042, 458, 6,346,035, 6,524,172, 6,695,679, 6,695,685, 6,726,549, 6,739,529, 6,824,450, 7,112,120, 7,950,984, 8,187,057, 8,277,288, 8,869,551, 9,095,956, 9,592,586, 9,931,639, 10,315,862, and 10,737,890, all of which and their disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] In addition, all of the following applications and their disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 853,194, filed on September 11, 2007, for a particle injection system with a synchronized feeder and particle generator, U.S. Publication No. 2009 / 0093196; U.S. Patent Provisional Application Serial No. 61 / 589,551, filed on January 23, 2012, for a method and apparatus for sizing carbon dioxide particles; U.S. Patent Provisional Application Serial No. 61 / 592,313, filed on January 30, 2012, for a method and apparatus for dispensing carbon dioxide particles; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 475,454, filed on May 18, 2012, for a method and apparatus for forming carbon dioxide pellets; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 475,454, filed on October 18, 2013, for a method and apparatus for forming carbon dioxide pellets; U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 062,118, filed on February 24, 2014, for an apparatus and method for distributing carbon dioxide particles including at least an impeller or a deflector, U.S. Publication No. 2014 / 0110510; U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 516,125, filed on October 16, 2014, for a method and apparatus for forming solid carbon dioxide, U.S. Publication No. 2015 / 0166350; U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 297,967, filed on October 19, 2016, for a jet media pulverizer, U.S. Publication No. 2017 / 0106500; U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 961,321, filed on April 24, 2018, for a particle injection device, U.S. Publication No. 2019 / 0321942. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 890,044, filed on August 21, 2019, Apparatus and Method for Particle Jetting; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 999,633, filed on August 21, 2020, Apparatus and Method for Particle Jetting, U.S. Publication No. 2021 / 0053187; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 955,893, filed on December 31, 2019, Method and Apparatus for Enhanced Jetting; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 2021 / 0053187, filed on December 31, 2019, U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 139,292, filed on December 31, 2020, for methods and apparatus for enhanced jet flow, and U.S. publication number 2021 / 0197337; U.S. provisional patent application serial number 63 / 185,467, filed on May 7, 2021, for methods and apparatus for forming solid carbon dioxide; and, U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 738,389, filed on May 6, 2022, for methods and apparatus for forming solid carbon dioxide.

[0004] Also known are particle blasting devices that entrain non-cryogenic blasting media, such as, but not limited to, abrasive blasting media. Examples of abrasive blasting media include, but are not limited to, silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, glass beads, crushed glass, and plastic. Abrasive blasting media can be more aggressive than dry ice media and may be more effective in some situations.

[0005] Mixed media blasting is also known, in which more than one type of media is entrained in a stream directed toward a target. In one form of mixed media blasting, dry ice pellet media and abrasive media are entrained in a single stream directed toward a target.

[0006] Many factors influence the ultimate performance of the entrained particle stream that is discharged from the nozzle of the particle injection system and impacts the target. The kinetic energy of the particles upon impacting the target plays an important role in the efficacy of the entrained particle stream to achieve the desired results, such as cleaning various types of surfaces, changing the properties of various types of surfaces, or separating components (e.g., removing coatings or contaminant layers, among others, from substrates).

[0007] Typical prior art systems utilizing cryogenic particles convey particles entrained in a conveying fluid, typically an air stream. In some systems, particles are entrained in a conveying fluid stream by a particle feeder that introduces the particles into the conveying fluid and conveys them to a spray nozzle via a conveying hose for discharge from the spray nozzle. In these systems, the conveying fluid must have sufficient kinetic energy to convey the particles from the feeder through the conveying hose to the spray nozzle. The conveying fluid must have sufficient energy to discharge the particles out of the spray nozzle, whether the flow is subsonic, sonic, or supersonic, and to the target.

[0008] In other systems, particles are entrained in a transport fluid and carried through a hose to a mixing nozzle where the stream of particles entrained in the transport fluid is combined with the jet fluid stream, usually via a venturi, and discharged from the jet nozzle. In such systems, the transport fluid must have sufficient energy to transport the particles to the venturi along with the jet fluid, while the transport fluid has the energy required to discharge the particles from the jet nozzle. In some versions, the venturi is integral to the jet nozzle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings illustrate embodiments serving to explain the principles of the invention.

[0010] Figure 1 A particle injection system constructed in accordance with one or more teachings of the present invention is schematically illustrated.

[0011] Figure 2 Schematically illustrates a device constructed in accordance with one or more teachings of the present invention. Figure 1 A similar particle injection system is disclosed in.

[0012] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a flow mixer constructed in accordance with one or more teachings of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a flow mixer.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged partial perspective cross-sectional view of a flow mixer.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a flow mixer, wherein the outlet can be seen.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 Exploded view of a fluid mixer showing the inlet end cap, center housing, and outlet end cap.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a flow mixer, wherein the inlet can be seen, showing the shape of the inlet of the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

[0018] Fig. 9 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a flow mixer with the inlet end cover omitted, showing the shapes of the first flow channel and the second flow channel at the interface of the inlet end cover and the center housing of the flow mixer.

[0019] Fig.10 It is along Figure 3 The line 10-10 in Figure 3 A perspective cross-sectional view of a flow mixer showing the shapes of the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

[0020] Fig.11 It is along Figure 3 The line 11-11 in Figure 3 A perspective cross-sectional view of a flow mixer showing the shapes of the first flow channel and the second flow channel at the indicated plane.

[0021] Fig.12 It is along Figure 3 The line 12-12 in Figure 3 A perspective cross-sectional view of a flow mixer showing the shapes of the first flow channel and the second flow channel at the indicated plane.

[0022] Fig.13 It is along Figure 3 The line 13-13 in Figure 3 A perspective cross-sectional view of a flow mixer showing the shapes of a first flow channel and a second flow channel and a portion of a discharge portion communicating with the second flow channel.

[0023] Fig.14 It is along Figure 3 The line 14-14 in Figure 3 A perspective cross-sectional view of a flow mixer showing the shape of a combined flow channel and a portion of a discharge portion communicating with the combined flow channel.

[0024] Fig.15 It is along Figure 3 The line 15-15 in Figure 3 A perspective cross-sectional view of the flow mixer showing the shape of the combined flow channels along line 15-15.

[0025] Fig.16 yes Figure 3 An exploded view of an insert of a flow mixer forming the first flow channel and the second flow channel upstream of and up to the intersection of the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

[0026] Fig.17 It is a perspective view of the upstream side of the outlet end cover 38 .

[0027] Fig.18 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a flow mixer constructed in accordance with one or more teachings of the present invention.

[0028] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 Exploded view of an insert of a flow mixer forming the combined flow path and the spray nozzle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In the following description, the same reference numerals represent similar or corresponding parts in the various views. In addition, in the following description, it is understood that terms such as forward, backward, internal, external, etc. are convenient terms and should not be understood as limiting terms. The terms used in this patent are not limiting terms, because the devices described herein or parts thereof can be attached or used in other orientations. With reference to the drawings in more detail, one or more embodiments constructed according to the teachings of the present invention are described.

[0030] It should be understood that for any patent, publication, or other public material, in whole or in part, incorporated herein by reference, the disclosure as expressly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Definitions, statements, or other public materials set forth in this disclosure shall supersede such materials incorporated by reference, where necessary.

[0031] For clarity of disclosure, spatial terms such as "upstream", "downstream", "above", "outside", "inside", and "below" are used herein to refer to relative positions and directions. For clarity, these terms are used below with reference to the illustrated views, and are not intended to limit the innovations described herein.

[0032] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0033] In known prior art systems, the transport fluid is cooled by the cryogenic particles being transported. This cooling reduces the energy of the flow of the transport fluid, which reduces the kinetic energy available to accelerate the particles out of the injection nozzle, and thus reduces the kinetic energy of the particles upon impact. In systems that combine a transport fluid flow with an injection fluid flow, the cold transport fluid can significantly reduce the kinetic energy in the combined flow, thereby reducing the kinetic energy available to accelerate the particles out of the injection nozzle, thereby reducing the kinetic energy of the particles upon impact.

[0034] Co-pending and co-owned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 139,292, Method and Apparatus for Intensifying a Jet Stream, discloses adding energy to an entrained particle stream by combining a heated fluid stream with the entrained particle stream. Even with the addition of a heated fluid stream, the cold transport fluid reduces the temperature of the combined stream, thereby reducing the kinetic energy of the particles and the kinetic energy of the entrained fluid that reaches the target. The reduced energy of the fluid in the form of a reduced temperature means less thermal energy to heat and weaken the bond between the coating or contaminant and the substrate.

[0035] With reference to the drawings in more detail, one or more embodiments constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention are described.

[0036] Figure 1 A particle injection system 2 constructed in accordance with one or more teachings of the present invention is schematically illustrated. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the particle injection system 2 includes a particle source 4 entrained in a transport fluid, an injection fluid source 6, a flow mixer 8, and an injection nozzle 10. Figure 1 As indicated by line 12 in FIG. 1 , particles entrained in the transport fluid are conveyed / transported from a source of particles entrained in the transport fluid 4 to the flow mixer 8. The particles entrained in the transport fluid may be conveyed / transported to the flow mixer 8 via a hose, tube, or other conduit suitable for allowing the conveying / transportation of those particles entrained in the transport fluid. Figure 1, the jet fluid is conveyed / delivered from the jet fluid source 6 to the flow mixer 8 as indicated by the line 14 in the figure. The jet fluid can be conveyed / delivered to the flow mixer 8 via a hose, a tube or other conduit suitable for allowing the conveying / delivering of the jet fluid. The particle source 4 entrained in the conveying fluid can be any suitable source of particles entrained in the conveying fluid, and the particles entrained in the conveying fluid can be conveyed / delivered to the flow mixer 8 from the particle source entrained in the conveying fluid. The jet fluid source 6 can be any suitable source of jet fluid, and the jet fluid can be conveyed / delivered to the flow mixer 8 from the jet fluid source. The jet nozzle 10 can be any suitable nozzle that is compatible with the system and its operating parameters. The jet nozzle 10 can be subsonic, sonic or supersonic.

[0037] Figure 2 Schematically shows a similar Figure 1 The particle injection system 2 of the particle injection system 16. Figure 2 , the particle feeder assembly 18 acts as a source of particles entrained in the transport fluid. The particle feeder assembly 18 may be configured to receive particles from a particle source 20 and to receive a transport fluid from a fluid source 22. The particle feeder assembly 18 may discharge a stream of particles entrained in the transport fluid at an outlet 18a, as indicated by line 24, which is conveyed / delivered to the flow mixer 8. The stream of particles entrained in the transport fluid may be conveyed / delivered to the flow mixer 8 via a hose, a tube, or other conduit suitable for allowing the conveying / delivery of the particles entrained in the transport fluid. The particle feeder assembly 18 may be of any suitable construction, such as, by way of non-limiting example, as disclosed in U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 961,321. It may include a pulverizer (not shown) configured to control / change particle size, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 961,321, or such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 297,967. The pressure of the transport fluid with entrained particles flowing through line 24 may be greater than atmospheric pressure, such as, by way of non-limiting example, the transport fluid with entrained particles is discharged through a particle feeder assembly, which is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 961,321. Alternatively, the pressure of the transport fluid with entrained particles flowing through line 24 may be less than atmospheric pressure, such as, by way of non-limiting example, the transport fluid with entrained particles is discharged through a particle feeder assembly, which is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,024,304.

[0038] Figure 2A heater 26 is shown as a source of a jet fluid that is delivered to the flow mixer 8, as indicated by line 28. When the jet fluid reaches the flow mixer 8 or the intersection 44, the temperature of the jet fluid may be any suitable temperature, for example, about 750 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature may be in a temperature range from above ambient temperature up to and including about 750 degrees Fahrenheit, including but not limited to a range of about 150 degrees Fahrenheit to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the desired performance and objectives, the temperature of the heated stream may be higher than about 750 degrees Fahrenheit, including but not limited to a range of about 750 degrees Fahrenheit to about 800 degrees Fahrenheit. In some embodiments, the jet fluid may not be heated. The jet fluid may be delivered / delivered to the flow mixer 8 via a hose, a tube, or other conduit suitable for allowing the jet fluid to be delivered / delivered. The fluid source 22 may be a fluid source for the heater 26, in which case the fluid source 22 may be characterized as a jet fluid source. The particle spraying system 16 may also include a dryer 30 that may be constructed and arranged to remove moisture from the jet fluid. The temperature of one or more of the transport fluid, the transport fluid with entrained particles, the injection fluid, or the combined fluid stream may be monitored, and the heater 26 may be controlled in response to such monitoring to optimize the temperature at the injection nozzle outlet. The processing system 32 may be microprocessor-based or of any suitable configuration, and may be configured to control the temperature and flow rate of the heated fluid stream and the mass flow, particle size, and flow rate of the entrained particle stream.

[0039] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , an exemplary embodiment of a flow mixer 8 is shown in a cross-sectional view. The flow mixer 8 includes an inlet end cover 34, a center housing 36, and an outlet end cover 38. The flow mixer 8 defines a first flow channel 40 and a second flow channel 42. The second flow channel 42 intersects the first flow channel 40 in a fluidly connected manner at an intersection 44. The portion of the first flow channel 40 extending downstream of the intersection 44 may also be referred to as a combined flow channel 46. The first flow channel 40 may be disposed at a certain angle relative to the combined flow channel 46, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0040] First flow channel 40 includes inlet 40a and second flow channel 42 includes inlet 42a. Inlet end cap 34 includes respective mounting configurations at inlets 40a and 42a adapted to connect physical embodiments of wires 14 and 12 to inlets 40a and 42a.

[0041] Combined flow passage 46 includes an outlet or port 46a. In the depicted embodiment, outlet end cap 38 includes mounting formations at outlet port 46a adapted to connect spray nozzle 10 to outlet port 46a. Alternatively, spray nozzle 10 may not be mounted directly to flow mixer 8.

[0042] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the depicted embodiment of a flow mixer 8 . Figure 7 The inlet end cap 34 and the outlet end cap 38 are shown exploded from the center housing 36, showing the internal cavity 36a. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in the depicted embodiment, the first flow passage 40 is defined by an upper insert 48 and a center insert 50 disposed within the interior cavity 36a.

[0043] At least Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow channel 40 may decrease in the direction of flow (downstream) as indicated by arrow 54. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow channel 42 may decrease in the direction of flow (downstream) as indicated by arrow 56. The cross-sectional area of ​​the combined flow channel 46 may increase in the direction of flow (downstream) as indicated by arrow 58 or may remain substantially constant.

[0044] like Figure 3 , 4As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second flow channel 42 includes a plurality of discharge portions 60 extending from the intersection 44 in the upstream direction. As shown, the discharge portion 60 is in direct fluid communication with the second flow channel 42. As used herein, "direct fluid communication" means that there is no intermediate component through which the fluid can flow; accordingly, "indirect fluid communication" means that at least one intermediate component can be located between the two components of the fluid communication. Therefore, as used herein, "fluid communication" refers to direct fluid communication or indirect fluid communication. Although there are multiple discharge portions 60 in the depicted embodiment, one or more discharge portions can be used. In addition, although in the depicted embodiment, the discharge portion 60 extends upstream from the intersection 44, one or more discharge portions 60 can be set at any one or more positions along the second flow channel 42, which is sufficient to work according to the teachings of the present invention to discharge the transport fluid from the particle flow entrained in the transport fluid, regardless of whether it is adjacent to the intersection 44 (as shown), close to the intersection 44, and / or at one or more positions further upstream of the intersection 44. According to the teachings of the present invention, the number, length and width (also referred to herein as the discharge area or total discharge area) can be sufficient to discharge the transport fluid from the particle flow entrained in the transport fluid. The width of the discharge portion 60 can be less than the desired minimum size of the particles expected to be discharged from the injection nozzle so that those particles do not flow through the discharge portion 60.

[0045] In the depicted embodiment, the combined flow channel 46 includes a plurality of discharges 62 extending from the intersection 44 in a downstream direction. As shown, the discharges 62 are in direct fluid communication with the combined flow channel 46. Although there are a plurality of discharges 62 in the depicted embodiment, one or more discharges may be used, or the discharges 62 may be omitted entirely. In addition, although in the depicted embodiment, the discharges 62 extend downstream from the intersection 44, one or more discharges 62 may be disposed at any one or more locations along the combined flow channel 46, as long as they are sufficient to function in accordance with the teachings of the present invention to discharge the transport fluid from the flow of particles entrained in the transport fluid, whether adjacent to the intersection 44 (as shown), near the intersection 44, and / or at one or more locations further downstream of the intersection 44. According to the teachings of the present invention, the number, length, and width (also referred to herein as the discharge area or total discharge area) may be sufficient to discharge the transport fluid from the flow of particles entrained in the transport fluid. The width of the discharge 62 may be less than the desired minimum size of particles desired to be discharged from the injection nozzle, so that those particles do not flow through the discharge 62.

[0046] The discharge portion 60 makes the second flow channel 42 communicate with the discharge portion channel 64 fluid. The discharge portion 62 makes the combined flow channel 46 communicate with the discharge portion channel 64 fluid. The discharge portion channel 64 includes a discharge portion outlet 66. The discharge portion channel 66 can be open to the environment, as shown in the figure, and the discharge portion channel 66 can have a breathable sound attenuation device (not shown), or can be connected to a discharge portion hose or conduit (not shown). In addition, the discharge portion channel 64 can be connected to a channel with a lower pressure, thereby sucking and conveying fluid through the channel.

[0047] refer to Figure 8 , the flow mixer 8 is shown in a perspective view, wherein the inlets 40a and 42a can be seen. Fig. 9 Similar to Figure 8 , in which the inlet end cap 34 is omitted, the inlets 40b, 42b are shown in the portion of the first flow channel 40 and the second flow channel 42 defined by the upper insert 48, the center insert 50 and the lower insert 52. As shown, in the depicted embodiment, the inlets 40b and 42b are circular, although any suitable cross-sectional shape may be used.

[0048] Fig.10 For along Figure 3 10-10 in FIG. 10. It can be seen that the shapes of the inlets 40b and 42b are generally circular. Fig.11 For along Figure 3 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the flow mixer 8 taken along line 11-11 in FIG. Fig.11 4, the progression of the shape changes of the first flow channel 40 and the second flow channel 42 in the downstream direction can be seen. The first flow channel 40 transitions from its generally circular cross-sectional shape at the inlet 40b to become flatter with a smaller vertical dimension. The second flow channel 42 transitions from its generally circular cross-sectional shape at the inlet 42b to become flatter and wider with a smaller vertical dimension and a larger lateral dimension.

[0049] Fig.12 It is along Figure 3 1-12 in FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the flow mixer 8 taken along line 12-12 in FIG. In the depicted embodiment, a continuous shape change of the first flow channel 40 and the second flow channel 42 can be seen. The respective cross-sectional areas of the first flow channel 40 and the second flow channel 42 can decrease in the downstream direction until a transition stop point, such as intersection 44. At the transition stop point, the respective cross-sectional areas of the first flow channel 40 and the second flow channel 42 can stop decreasing.

[0050] Fig.13 It is along Figure 313-13 in the perspective cross-sectional view of the flow mixer 8. It can be seen that the downstream ends of the upper insert 48, the central insert 50 and the lower insert 52 have a discharge portion 60.

[0051] exist Fig.14 The cross-sectional view shown in the figure is along Figure 3 At this location, the transition of the cross-sectional shape of the combined flow channel 46 from the shape at the intersection 44 can be seen, and the combined flow channel 46 is defined by the outlet end cover 38. Fig.15 As shown, it can be seen along Figure 3 In the three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the flow mixer 8 taken along the line 15-15 in FIG. 1 , the cross-sectional shape of the combined flow channel 46 is toward the outlet 46a (see FIG. Figure 6 ) at a transition from a generally circular cross-sectional shape at the outlet 46a. The cross-sectional area of ​​the combined flow passage 46 may increase or remain generally constant in the downstream direction from the intersection 44 to the outlet 46a.

[0052] refer to Fig.16 , which shows an exploded view of the upper insert 48, the center insert 50, and the lower insert 52 without the center housing 36, the inlet end cover 34, and the outlet end cover 38. The downstream ends of these inserts are shown aligned at line 44a, which coincides with the intersection 44 when assembled. The upper insert 48 includes a channel 48a that cooperates with the channel 50a of the center insert 50 to form the first passage 40. The center insert 50 includes a channel on its lower surface (at Fig.16 The drain 60 is formed in the lower insert 52, overlying and in fluid communication with the drain passage 64.

[0053] Reference Fig.17 , shows a perspective view of the outlet end cover 38 showing the upstream portion 38a extending into the interior cavity 36a. The upstream portion 38a includes the discharge portion 62 and defines a portion of the combined flow passage 46. Fig.17 Also shown is a slot 38b disposed above the combined flow passage 46, which slot 38b is aligned with the drain 62. In the depicted embodiment, the slot 38b is not a drain, but is formed as part of the process of forming the drain 62.

[0054] In operation, a jet fluid stream, typically an air stream, may be directed through the first flow channel 40. As described above, the energy of the jet fluid stream may be increased, such as by being heated, thereby producing a hot jet fluid, such as, by way of non-limiting example, under the parameters described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 139,292. A particle stream entrained in a transport fluid, typically air, may be directed through the second flow channel 42. The particles may include cryogenic particles, non-cryogenic particles, or mixed media particles. For cryogenic particles, such as, by way of non-limiting example, carbon dioxide particles, the temperature and sublimation of the particles will affect the energy of the transport fluid, such as by reducing the temperature. At the intersection 44, operating within the design parameters, the pressure in the jet fluid stream and in the entrained particle stream is such that the particles will combine or merge with the jet fluid stream, and all or a sufficient or a substantial portion of the transport fluid will pass through the discharge section 60 and / or the discharge section 62, enter the discharge section channel 64 and exit the discharge section outlet 66. The discharge of the transport fluid prior to, near or adjacent to the merging or introduction of the particles into the jet fluid stream prevents or reduces the effect of the lower temperature (lower thermal energy) of the transport fluid on the thermal and kinetic energy of the jet fluid. As used herein, the term "discharge" refers to a structure that allows at least a portion of the transport fluid to separate from the particles and / or combined stream, depending on whether the discharge is located upstream or downstream of the intersection 44, without recombining with the combined stream before the combined stream exits the flow mixer or jet nozzle. As used herein, the term "design parameter" refers to an operating condition and / or value sufficient to allow the device to provide the desired performance.

[0055] It will be appreciated that the greater the volume of the transport fluid stream that is discharged (i.e., not present in / combined with the jet fluid stream), the less impact the lower energy of the transport fluid will / can have on the energy of the jet fluid stream. Although desirable and within the scope of the teachings of the present invention, the teachings of the present invention do not require that all of the transport fluid be discharged before particles are entrained (combined / merged / introduced) into the jet fluid stream.

[0056] According to many teachings of the present invention, a transport fluid stream is a flowing fluid having sufficient energy to transport particles entrained therein to the combination / merge / introduction point in the spray fluid stream. The spray fluid stream is a fluid stream having sufficient energy at the point of combination / merge / introduction, combined with the effect of any transport fluid thereon, to discharge particles out of the spray nozzle.

[0057] Fig.18 An alternative embodiment of a flow mixer constructed in accordance with one or more teachings of the present invention is shown. The flow mixer 108 includes an inlet end cap 134, a center housing 136, and an outlet end cap 138. The flow mixer 108 includes a first flow channel 140, a second flow channel 142, and a combined flow channel 146. Fig.18and 19 As shown, flow mixer 108 includes intersection 144, upper insert 148, center insert 150, lower insert 152, drain 160, drain 162, drain passage 164, and drain outlet 166, which are similar to the correspondingly named and numbered structures of flow mixer 8 described above.

[0058] The construction, configuration and operation of the flow mixer 108 differ from the flow mixer 8 described above in that the flow mixer 108 includes an integral spray nozzle. In the depicted embodiment, the combined flow channel 146 is defined by a center insert 180 and a lower insert 182. Also refer to Fig.19 , the center insert 180 includes a channel 180a that cooperates with the channel 182a of the lower insert 182 to form a combined flow passage 146 at the upstream end of the inserts 180, 182, thereby obtaining a converging-diverging nozzle profile downstream thereof. The converging-diverging nozzle portion has a throat 184 where, under design parameters, the flow reaches Mach number 1 and thereafter expands to supersonic flow.

[0059] Example 1: A method comprising the steps of providing a jet fluid stream; delivering a periodic continuous stream of particles entrained in a transport fluid to a position close to the jet fluid stream; separating the particle stream from at least an effective portion of the transport fluid; and thereafter introducing, merging or entraining the particles into the jet fluid stream.

[0060] Example 2: The method of Example 1, wherein the injection fluid is heated.

[0061] Example 3: The method of Example 1, wherein the injection fluid is at least 700 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0062] Example 4: The method of Example 1, comprising directing the jet fluid stream with entrained particles at a target workpiece.

[0063] Example 5: The method of Example 4, comprising the step of, at a target workpiece, prior to directing the jet fluid with entrained particles, increasing the velocity of the particles after the particles are entrained in the jet fluid stream.

[0064] Example 6: The method of Example 1, wherein the step of separating the particle flow from the transport fluid includes discharging the transport fluid from the particle flow entrained in the transport fluid.

[0065] Example 7: The method of Example 1, wherein the step of separating the particle stream from the transport fluid is performed before entraining the particles into the injection fluid stream.

[0066] Example 8: The method of Example 1, wherein at least a portion of the step of separating the particle stream from the transport fluid is performed while the particles are entrained in the injection fluid stream.

[0067] Example 9: A flow mixer includes a first flow channel, a second flow channel intersecting with the first flow channel at an intersection, a combined flow channel fluidly connected to the first flow channel and the second flow channel at the intersection, and one or more discharge sections directly fluidly connected to the second flow channel, wherein the one or more discharge sections are arranged close to the intersection.

[0068] Example 10. The flow mixer of Example 9, wherein the one or more discharges extend from the intersection in an upstream direction.

[0069] Example 11. The flow mixer of Example 9, comprising one or more discharges in direct fluid communication with the combined flow channel, the one or more discharges being disposed proximate to the intersection.

[0070] Example 12. The flow mixer of Example 11, wherein one or more discharges in direct fluid communication with the combined flow channel extend in a downstream direction from the intersection.

[0071] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, an element, or any part of an element, or any combination of elements can be implemented with a "processing system" comprising one or more physical devices, which includes a processor. Non-limiting examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform various functions described throughout the present disclosure. One or more processors in a processing system can actuate processor executable instructions. A processing system that executes instructions to produce a result is a processing system that is configured to perform tasks that will result in a result, such as by providing instructions to one or more components of a processing system, which will cause these components to perform certain actions, which are either performed alone or combined with other actions performed by other components of the processing system, thereby resulting in a result. Software should be broadly interpreted as instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, programs, functions, etc., whether or not referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language or other. The software may reside on a computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium may be a non-temporary computer-readable medium. As an example, a computer-readable medium includes a magnetic storage device (e.g., a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic strip), an optical disk (e.g., a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD)), a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a register, a removable disk, and any other suitable medium for storing software and / or instructions that can be accessed and read by a computer. The computer readable medium may reside in the processing system, reside outside the processing system, or be distributed among multiple entities including the processing system. The computer readable medium may be embodied in a computer program product. As an example, a computer program product may include a computer readable medium in packaging materials. Those skilled in the art will recognize how to best implement the functions described throughout this disclosure based on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the entire system.

[0072] Clearly defined

[0073] “Based on” means that something is at least partially defined by the thing it is “based on.” When something is completely defined by one thing, it is described as being “completely based on” that one thing.

[0074] A "processor" refers to a device that can be configured to perform the various functions described in this disclosure, either alone or in combination with other devices. Examples of "processors" include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), state machines, gated logic, and discrete hardware circuits. The term "processing system" is used to refer to one or more processors, which may be included in a single device or distributed across multiple physical devices.

[0075] The statement that a processing system is "configured" to perform one or more actions means that the processing system includes data (which may include commands) that can be used to perform the specific actions that the processing system is "configured" to do. For example, in the case of a computer (a type of "processing system"), installing Microsoft WORD on a computer can "configure" the computer to function as a word processor, which uses the commands of Microsoft WORD and combines other input components, such as an operating system, and various peripheral devices (e.g., keyboard, display, etc.).

[0076] The above description of one or more embodiments of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed. In light of the above teachings, obvious modifications or changes are possible. The embodiments are selected and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that a person of ordinary skill in the art can best utilize the present invention in various embodiments, and with various modifications suitable for the intended specific use. Although only a limited number of embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the preceding description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or executed in various ways. In addition, for the sake of clarity, specific terms are used. It should be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve similar purposes. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims submitted herein.

Claims

1. A flow mixer comprising: a. a first flow channel; b. a second flow channel, wherein the second flow channel intersects with the first flow channel at an intersection; c. a combined flow channel in fluid communication with the first flow channel and the second flow channel at the intersection; and d. One or more second channel drains in direct fluid communication with the second flow channel.

2. The flow mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more second passage discharges are disposed adjacent the intersection.

3. The flow mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more second passage discharges extend in an upstream direction.

4. The flow mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more second passage discharges extend from the intersection in an upstream direction.

5. The flow mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is one or more combined flow channel drains in direct fluid communication with the combined flow channel.

6. The flow mixer according to claim 5, characterized in that The one or more combined flow passage discharges are disposed adjacent the intersection.

7. The flow mixer according to claim 5, characterized in that The combined flow passage discharge extends in a downstream direction.

8. The flow mixer according to claim 5, characterized in that The combined flow passage discharge extends from the intersection in a downstream direction.

9. The flow mixer according to claim 5, characterized in that The one or more second passage drains are in direct fluid communication with the one or more combined flow passage drains.

10. The flow mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more second channel drains are in fluid communication with the drain channel.

11. The flow mixer according to claim 10, characterized in that Also included is one or more combined flow channel drains in direct fluid communication with the combined flow channel, wherein the combined flow channel drains are in fluid communication with the drain channel.

12. The flow mixer according to claim 10, characterized in that The discharge passage includes a discharge outlet, and the discharge outlet is defined by an outer surface of the flow mixer.

13. The flow mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that The first channel includes a first channel inlet and a first channel cross-sectional area, wherein the first channel cross-sectional area decreases as the first channel extends from the first channel inlet toward a first channel transition stop.

14. The flow mixer according to claim 13, characterized in that The first channel transition stopping point is the intersection.

15. The flow mixer according to claim 13, characterized in that The first passage cross-sectional area continuously decreases as the first passage extends from the first passage inlet toward the first passage transition stop.

16. The flow mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that The second passage includes a second passage inlet and a second passage cross-sectional area, wherein the second passage cross-sectional area decreases as the second passage extends from the second passage inlet toward a second passage transition stop.

17. The flow mixer according to claim 16, characterized in that The second channel transition stop point is the intersection.

18. The flow mixer according to claim 16, characterized in that The second passage cross-sectional area continuously decreases as the first passage extends from the second passage inlet toward the second passage transition stop.

19. The flow mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that The first channel includes a first channel entrance and a first channel vertical dimension, wherein the first channel vertical dimension decreases as the first channel extends from the first channel entrance toward a first channel transition stop.

20. The flow mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that The second channel includes a second channel entrance and a second channel vertical dimension, wherein the second channel vertical dimension decreases as the second channel extends from the second channel entrance toward a second channel transition stop.

21. The flow mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that The second channel includes a second channel entrance and a second channel lateral dimension, wherein the second channel lateral dimension increases as the second channel extends from the second channel entrance toward a second channel transition stop.

22. The flow mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that The combined flow channel includes a combined flow channel outlet and a combined flow channel cross-sectional area, wherein the combined flow channel cross-sectional area increases as the combined flow channel extends from the intersection toward the combined flow channel outlet.

23. The flow mixer according to claim 22, characterized in that As the combined flow channel extends from the intersection toward the combined flow channel outlet, the combined flow channel cross-sectional area continuously increases.

24. An assembly comprising: a. A flow mixer as claimed in claim 1; as well as b. A spray nozzle, wherein the spray nozzle is in fluid communication with the combined flow channel.

25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein: The injection nozzle is integral with the flow mixer.

26. A flow mixer comprising: a. an upper insert, the upper insert comprising an upper insert channel; b. a center insert comprising a first center insert channel and a second center insert channel, wherein the first center insert channel and the upper insert channel define a first fluid passage; c. a lower insert comprising a lower insert channel, wherein the second center insert channel and the lower insert channel define a second flow channel, the second flow channel intersecting the first flow channel at an intersection; and d. One or more second passage drains formed in the lower insert in direct fluid communication with the second flow passage.

27. The flow mixer according to claim 26, characterized in that Also included is a combined flow channel in fluid communication with the first flow channel and the second flow channel at the intersection.

28. The flow mixer according to claim 27, characterized in that Also included is one or more combined flow channel drains in direct fluid communication with the combined flow channel.

29. The flow mixer according to claim 26, characterized in that Also included is a center nozzle insert and a lower nozzle insert, wherein the center nozzle insert includes a center nozzle insert channel and the lower nozzle insert includes a lower nozzle insert channel, wherein a combined flow channel is defined by the center nozzle insert channel and the lower nozzle insert channel.

30. The flow mixer according to claim 29, characterized in that The combined flow passage includes a throat, wherein The combined flow passage includes a converging portion upstream of the throat and a diverging portion downstream of the throat.

31. The flow mixer of claim 26, wherein: The one or more second channel drains are in fluid communication with the drain channel.

32. The flow mixer according to claim 31, characterized in that The discharge passage includes a discharge outlet, and the discharge outlet is defined by an outer surface of the flow mixer.

33. A method of discharging a stream of entrained particles from a spray nozzle, the method comprising: a. Providing a jet fluid flow; b. providing an entrained particle flow, wherein the entrained particle flow comprises a transport fluid and a plurality of particles entrained in the transport fluid; c. separating at least a portion of the transport fluid in the entrained particle stream from the plurality of particles in the entrained particle stream, thereby generating a discharge stream comprising the transport fluid separated from the plurality of particles; d. generating a combined flow by combining the jet fluid flow with the plurality of particles in the entrained particle flow; e. flowing the combined flow through and out of an injection nozzle; wherein the exhaust flow remains separate from the combined flow exiting the injection nozzle.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein: The plurality of particles include cryogenic particles.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein: The injected fluid includes a heated fluid.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein: The step of separating at least a portion of the transport fluid in the entrained particle stream occurs prior to the step of generating a combined stream.

37. The method of claim 33, wherein: The step of separating at least a portion of the transport fluid in the entrained particle stream occurs after the step of generating a combined stream.

38. A flow mixer comprising: a. a first flow channel; b. a second flow channel, the second flow channel intersecting the first flow channel at an intersection, wherein the second channel comprises a second channel inlet, a second channel vertical dimension, and a second channel lateral dimension, wherein as the second channel extends from the second channel inlet toward the second channel transition stop point, the second channel vertical dimension decreases, and as the second channel extends from the second channel inlet toward the second channel transition stop point, the second channel lateral dimension increases; and c. A combined flow channel in fluid communication with the first flow channel and the second flow channel at the intersection.

39. The flow mixer of claim 38, wherein: The second passage vertical dimension continuously decreases as the second passage extends from the second passage inlet toward the second passage transition stop point.

40. The flow mixer of claim 38, wherein: The second passageway continuously decreases in lateral dimension as the second passageway extends from the second passageway inlet toward the second passageway transition stop.

41. The flow mixer of claim 38, wherein: The second channel transition stop point is the intersection.

42. The flow mixer of claim 38, wherein: Also included is one or more second channel drains in direct fluid communication with the second flow channel.

43. The flow mixer of claim 38, wherein: The first channel includes a first channel entrance and a first channel vertical dimension, wherein the first channel vertical dimension decreases as the first channel extends from the first channel entrance toward a first channel transition stop.

44. The flow mixer of claim 43, wherein: As the first channel extends from the first channel entrance toward the first channel transition stop point, the first channel vertical dimension continuously decreases.

45. The flow mixer of claim 43, wherein: The first channel transition stopping point is the intersection.

46. ​​The flow mixer of claim 38, wherein: The second flow channel is configured to be connected to an entrained particle flow, wherein the entrained particle flow includes a transport fluid and a plurality of particles entrained within the transport fluid.

47. The flow mixer of claim 46, wherein: The first flow channel is configured to be connected to a jet fluid stream.

48. The flow mixer of claim 47, wherein: The injected fluid includes a heated fluid.

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