System and method for mixing a processing medium into a slurry
By using a multi-channel system for premixing the slurry, the problem of uniform mixing between the slurry and the treatment medium was solved, achieving uniform mixing in large-size pipeline transportation and reducing the manufacturing requirements of the mixer.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- VALMET AB
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies struggle to achieve uniform mixing of the treatment medium in slurry, easily leading to separation and uneven distribution of the slurry and treatment medium, especially resulting in poor mixing when transporting in large-size pipelines.
A multi-channel system is adopted, in which the slurry and the treatment medium are introduced into multiple coaxial or offset channels respectively. After premixing, they enter the mixer to ensure that the treatment medium and the slurry are in uniform contact and mixed in each channel, avoiding the formation of large-scale accumulation flow.
It achieves uniform mixing of the processing medium and slurry, reduces the manufacturing requirements of the mixer, and improves mixing efficiency and uniformity, especially maintaining good distribution when transporting in large-size pipelines.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross-referencing of related patent applications This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 602,489, filed November 24, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0002] background This disclosure relates to pulp production. More specifically, this disclosure relates to mixed pulps and processing media.
[0003] Overview One embodiment relates to a system for mixing a processing medium into a slurry. The system includes: a mixer configured to mix the slurry and the processing medium; a plurality of walls defining a plurality of channels; a slurry source fluidly coupled to each of the channels; and a processing medium source providing a portion of the processing medium to each of the channels. The mixer includes a mixing chamber, a mixer inlet fluidly coupled upstream of the mixing chamber, and a mixer outlet fluidly coupled downstream of the mixing chamber. Each of the channels is fluidly coupled to the mixer inlet. The slurry source provides a portion of the slurry to each of the channels. Each of the channels provides that portion of the slurry and that portion of the processing medium to the mixer inlet.
[0004] In one respect, the channels are coaxial.
[0005] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the above aspects, the system further includes a first inlet conduit defining a first inlet opening that fluidly connects the processing medium source to at least one channel in the channel, such that the processing medium source provides the processing medium to the at least one channel in the channel through the first inlet opening.
[0006] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the above aspects, the first inlet opening fluidly connects the processing medium source to a first channel and a second channel in the channel, such that the processing medium source provides the processing medium to the first channel and the second channel in the channel through the first inlet opening.
[0007] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the foregoing aspects, the system further includes a second inlet conduit defining a second inlet opening. The first inlet opening fluidly connects the processing medium source to a first channel in the channel, such that the processing medium source provides the processing medium into the first channel in the channel through the first inlet opening. The second inlet opening fluidly connects the processing medium source to a second channel in the channel, such that the processing medium source provides the processing medium into the second channel in the channel through the second inlet opening.
[0008] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the above aspects, the first inlet opening is offset from the second inlet opening in the direction of the axis of the first channel in the channel.
[0009] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the above aspects, the axis of the first inlet opening is circumferentially offset from the axis of the second inlet opening about the axis of the first channel in the channel.
[0010] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the above aspects, the axis of the first inlet opening is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the second inlet opening.
[0011] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the foregoing aspects, the end of the first inlet conduit defines an orifice that fluidly connects the first inlet opening to the at least one channel in the channel; and the end of the first inlet conduit is positioned within the at least one channel in the channel.
[0012] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the above aspects, the system further includes a second inlet conduit defining a second inlet opening that fluidly connects the processing medium source to the at least one channel in the channel, such that the processing medium source provides the processing medium to the at least one channel in the channel through the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening.
[0013] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the above aspects, the first inlet conduit and the second inlet conduit are positioned on opposite sides of the at least one channel in the channel.
[0014] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the foregoing aspects, the system further includes a third inlet conduit defining a third inlet opening. The first and second inlet openings fluidly connect the processing medium source to a first channel in the channel, such that the processing medium source provides the processing medium into the first channel in the channel through the first and second inlet openings. The third inlet opening fluidly connects the processing medium source to a second channel in the channel, such that the processing medium source provides the processing medium into the second channel in the channel through the third inlet opening.
[0015] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the above aspects, the flow-by area of the outer channel in the channel is greater than the flow-by area of the inner channel in the channel.
[0016] Another embodiment relates to a method for mixing a processing medium into a slurry. The method includes: providing a portion of the slurry to each of a plurality of channels, providing a portion of the processing medium to each of the channels to form a premix of the slurry and the processing medium within each of the channels, and mixing the premix from each of the channels to form a homogeneous mixture.
[0017] In one respect, the channels are coaxial.
[0018] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the above aspects, a first portion of the processing medium is provided at a first position to a first channel in the channel, a second portion of the processing medium is provided at a second position to a second channel in the channel, and the second position is offset from the first position in the direction of the axis of the first channel in the channel.
[0019] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the above aspects, a first portion of the processing medium is provided at a first position to a first channel in the channel, a second portion of the processing medium is provided at a second position to a second channel in the channel, and the second position is circumferentially offset from the first position about the axis of the first channel in the channel.
[0020] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the above aspects, mixing the premix to form the homogeneous mixture includes: providing the premix to a mixer separately, and operating the mixer to mix the premix, thereby forming the homogeneous mixture.
[0021] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the above aspects, the method further includes passively premixing the portion of the slurry and the portion of the processing medium within each of the channels to form the premix of the slurry and the processing medium within each of the channels.
[0022] In one aspect that can be combined with any of the above aspects, a first portion of the processing medium is provided to a first channel in the channel at a first position, a second portion of the processing medium is provided to the first channel in the channel at a second position, and the first position and the second position are located on opposite sides of the first channel in the channel. Brief description of the attached diagram Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a hybrid system; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hybrid system; Figure 3 It is intercepted along plane AA. Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hybrid system; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a hybrid system; Figure 5 It is intercepted along plane BB. Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hybrid system; Figure 6 It is intercepted along plane CC. Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hybrid system; Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hybrid system; Figure 8 It is intercepted along plane DD. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hybrid system; and Figure 9 This is a block diagram of an example method for mixing a processing medium into a slurry.
[0024] It will be appreciated that some or all of the drawings are schematic representations for illustrative purposes. The drawings are provided to illustrate one or more embodiments and are clearly understood not to be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
[0025] Detailed description The following is a more detailed description of various related concepts and implementations of methods, apparatus, and systems for mixing media (e.g., different fluids, etc.). The various concepts described above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of a variety of ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.
[0026] In many industrial applications (e.g., papermaking, refining, fluid processing, etc.), particularly in different chemical industries where various chemicals must be mixed with different raw material suspensions or blended into raw material combinations, it is crucial to homogenize media with different properties (e.g., a first medium with a first density and a processing medium with a second density, etc.) (e.g., complete blending, uniform distribution, etc.) to obtain a homogeneous suspension (e.g., a completely blended mixture, uniform distribution, etc.). Such industries include paint manufacturing as well as pulp and paper manufacturing.
[0027] In the pulp and paper industry, mixing equipment (e.g., agitators, mechanical stirrers, planetary mixers, rotor and stator mixers, etc.) is used at several locations throughout the fiber production line (e.g., the different process steps involved in converting wood chips or other fiber raw materials into pulp) to mix different kinds of treatment media (e.g., chemical additives, dyes, fillers, bleaching agents, treatment fluids, etc.) into the pulp (e.g., fiber suspension, pulp slurry, pulp mixture, pulp emulsion, etc.). The treatment media added to the pulp can be used, for example, for heating, delignification, or bleaching purposes. Typically, the treatment media are in a fluid state (i.e., gaseous or liquid), but they can also be in a solid state (e.g., as granules, as powder, etc.).
[0028] When mixing a treatment medium into a slurry, it may be crucial to ensure that the treatment medium is adequately mixed (e.g., fully mixed, completely mixed, etc.) to achieve a uniform or homogeneous distribution. For example, the treatment medium may be introduced into the slurry flow through a pipe upstream of a mixing device via an outlet, and the mixing device may mix the treatment medium with the slurry to form a mixture. However, if the outlet of the treatment medium is not properly oriented, the treatment medium may concentrate within a portion of the slurry, preventing the mixer from producing a homogeneous mixture of the treatment medium and the slurry. For example, when the treatment medium is introduced into the slurry, there is a risk of separation between the slurry and the treatment medium, resulting in large, separate bulk flows of the slurry and the treatment medium. Separation may occur, for example, when mixing fluids and / or media (e.g., substances, etc.) with different densities and / or other related properties (e.g., when mixing gases and liquids, fluids with different viscosities, fluids with different viscosities, fluids with different hydrophobic properties, etc.). Furthermore, increased separation between the slurry and the treatment medium may occur due to changes in the configuration of the flow paths of the slurry and the treatment medium (e.g., increased curvature of the flow path, increased diameter of the flow path, etc.). As the dimensions (e.g., diameter, length, etc.) of the pipes used to guide the slurry and treatment medium increase, there is growing interest in distributing the treatment medium throughout the slurry. A well-distributed mixture of treatment medium and slurry is particularly interesting when using pipes with diameters greater than approximately 30 cm and conveying mixtures exceeding approximately 0.1 m.
[0029] Therefore, this disclosure relates to reducing fluid separation during pipe transport to avoid the formation of large, accumulating flows of poorly mixed fluid. The embodiments described herein relate to systems that do not introduce the treatment medium into a single slurry portion. However, even when the treatment medium is introduced into different portions of the slurry, there is still a risk of pre-distributed treatment medium separation, which can form large, separate accumulating flows of the treatment medium and large, separate accumulating flows of the slurry as the combined flow of the slurry and treatment medium moves through the pipe. Portions of the slurry are directed into different channels, and a portion of the treatment medium is provided into each of these channels. As a result, a portion of the treatment medium contacts each portion of the slurry, and each portion of the treatment medium is premixed with each portion of the slurry within each of the channels. After each portion of the treatment medium has premixed with each portion of the slurry, the channels provide the premixed portion of the treatment medium and slurry to the inlet of a mixer configured to produce a homogeneous mixture of the treatment medium and the slurry. The different channels prevent the formation of large, separate accumulating flows of slurry and treatment medium reaching the inlet of the mixer. Because the processing medium portion is introduced into the slurry portion, the mixer is able to efficiently produce a homogeneous mixture without operating at excessively high rates due to the processing medium portion pre-mixing with the slurry portion before it reaches the mixer inlet. Therefore, the system is able to produce a homogeneous mixture of the processing medium and the slurry, reducing the manufacturing requirements associated with using a mixer to mix the slurry with the processing medium.
[0030] Figure 1 An example mixing system 100 (e.g., a blending system, a homogenizing device, a combined arrangement, etc.) is depicted. As described in more detail herein, the mixing system 100 is configured to mix two or more media into a homogeneous mixture. In some embodiments, the mixing system 100 is configured to mix two media into a homogeneous mixture. In some embodiments, the mixing system 100 is configured to mix a slurry suspension (e.g., a slurry, paste, emulsion, suspension, etc.) and a processing medium (e.g., an additive, a gas processing medium, a liquid processing medium, etc.) to form a homogeneous mixture. Importantly, as described in more detail herein, the mixing system 100, in addition to mixing the slurry suspension and the processing medium to form a homogeneous mixture, also facilitates the introduction of the processing medium into multiple portions of the slurry suspension.
[0031] The mixing system 100 includes a slurry source 102 (e.g., a first tank, a first supply line, a pump, etc.). The slurry source 102 is configured to provide slurry during mixing. In some embodiments, the slurry source 102 is configured to provide slurry under pressure (e.g., as a pressurizing medium, etc.). For example, the slurry source 102 may include a pump configured to pressurize the slurry. In some embodiments, the slurry provided by the slurry source 102 may be a slurry suspension. In various embodiments, the slurry provided by the slurry source 102 may be a liquid or a semi-liquid.
[0032] The mixing system 100 includes a processing medium source 104 (e.g., a second tank, a second supply line, a compressor, a processing fluid source, etc.). The processing medium source 104 is configured to provide a processing medium during mixing. In some embodiments, the processing medium source 104 is configured to provide the processing medium under pressure. For example, the processing medium source 104 may include a compressor configured to pressurize the processing medium. In various embodiments, the processing medium provided by the processing medium source 104 may be a liquid or a gas. In some embodiments, the mixing system 100 includes an additional medium source (e.g., a third medium source, a fourth medium source, etc.) configured to provide additional media (e.g., a third medium, a fourth medium source, etc.) during mixing.
[0033] The mixing system 100 includes a mixer 106 (e.g., a mixing device, blender, agitator, etc.) configured to combine (e.g., mix, etc.) a slurry and a processing medium into a homogeneous mixture (e.g., a fully blended suspension, a uniformly distributed medium, etc.). In various embodiments, the mixer 106 is configured to combine additional media (e.g., a third medium, a fourth medium, etc.) into a homogeneous mixture. The mixer 106 includes: a mixer inlet (e.g., an intake, entrance, feed point, etc.) configured to receive the slurry and the processing medium; a mixing chamber fluidly coupled to the mixer inlet and configured to mix the slurry and the processing medium; and a mixer outlet (e.g., a discharge port, exhaust, conveying end, etc.), shown as mixer outlet 108, and configured to provide the homogeneous mixture from the mixing system 100 to downstream elements (e.g., a storage tank, a refining element, etc.). In some embodiments, mixer 106 may be configured as an active mixer (e.g., a planetary mixer, belt mixer, paddle mixer, drum mixer, etc.) that includes a moving tool configured to mix slurry and process media. In other embodiments, mixer 106 may be configured as a static mixer (e.g., a baffle mixer, helical static mixer, channel mixer, etc.) that does not include a moving tool.
[0034] In some embodiments, mixer 106 may be configured as a rotary mixer. For example, mixer 106 may include a housing including an inlet and a mixer outlet 108. Mixer 106 may include a stator coupled to and disposed within the housing. Mixer 106 may include a rotor rotatably coupled to the stator and configured to rotate relative to the stator. Mixer 106 may receive slurry and processing medium at the inlet. The rotor may include mixing elements arranged around the rotor and configured to mix the slurry and processing medium to form a homogeneous mixture. The rotor may include discharge elements configured to discharge the homogeneous mixture radially relative to the rotor. The stator may include stator openings configured to discharge the homogeneous mixture discharged through the rotor's discharge elements to mixer outlet 108.
[0035] The mixing system 100 includes a plurality of channels 110 (e.g., pathways, conduits, paths, etc.) defined by a plurality of channel walls (e.g., walls, pipe walls, etc.). The channels 110 of the mixing system 100 are fluidly coupled to a slurry source 102 and configured to each receive a portion of slurry from the slurry source 102. Each channel 110 includes a channel inlet (e.g., conduit inlet, inlet, etc.) fluidly coupled to the slurry source 102. Each of the channel inlets is configured to receive a portion of slurry from the slurry source 102. For example, the slurry source 102 may provide a portion of slurry to each of the channel inlets (e.g., providing a first portion of slurry to the first channel inlet, providing a second portion of slurry to the second channel inlet, etc.). Each channel 110 includes a channel outlet (e.g., conduit outlet, outlet, etc.) fluidly coupled to an inlet of a mixer 106 and configured to provide media from each of the channels 110 to the inlet of the mixer 106. For example, each of the channel outlets can supply a portion of the slurry from each of the channels 110 to the inlet of the mixer 106. In some embodiments, all channels 110 are fluidly coupled to the inlet of the mixer 106. In other embodiments, each of the channels 110 is fluidly coupled to a separate inlet of the mixer 106, such that each of the channels 110 supplies the medium from each of the channels 110 to the mixer 106 respectively.
[0036] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, channel 110 is configured as a first channel 112, a second channel 114, a third channel 116, and a fourth channel 118. The first channel 112 defines an axis A extending along the length of the first channel 112. OIn some embodiments, channels 110 have substantially the same length and / or substantially the same cross-sectional area (e.g., flow area, etc.). In other embodiments, each of channels 110 may have a different length and / or may have a different cross-sectional area. For example, a first channel 112 may be longer than a fourth channel 118. As another example, a third channel 116 (e.g., an outer channel in channel 110, etc.) may have a larger cross-sectional area than a second channel 114 (e.g., an inner channel in channel 110, etc.). In some embodiments, the mixing system 100 includes fewer than four channels (e.g., two channels, three channels, etc.). In other embodiments, the mixing system 100 includes additional channels (e.g., a fifth channel, a sixth channel, etc.).
[0037] Processing medium source 104 is configured to provide a portion of processing medium to each of the channels 110. In some embodiments, processing medium source 104 is fluidly coupled to each of the channels 110 and configured to provide processing medium directly to each of the channels 110. For example, processing medium source 104 may be fluidly coupled to a first channel 112, a second channel 114, a third channel 116, and a fourth channel 118, such that processing medium source 104 is configured to provide processing medium to the first channel 112, the second channel 114, the third channel 116, and the fourth channel 118. In other embodiments, processing medium source 104 may be fluidly coupled to slurry source 102 near the channel inlet of each of the channels 110, such that processing medium is provided to each of the channels 110. For example, the processing medium source 104 may be fluidly connected to the slurry source 102 near the first inlet of the first channel 112, near the second inlet of the second channel 114, near the third inlet of the third channel 116, and near the fourth inlet of the fourth channel 118, such that the processing medium from the processing medium source 104 flows into each of the first channel 112, the second channel 114, the third channel 116, and the fourth channel 118.
[0038] Figure 2 and Figure 3 An embodiment of the mixing system 100 is depicted, shown as mixing system 200. Mixing system 200 includes a slurry source 102, a processing medium source 104, a mixer 106, a mixer outlet 108, a first channel 112, a second channel 114, a third channel 116, and a fourth channel 118. The slurry source 102 is configured to provide a slurry 202. The processing medium source 104 is configured to provide a processing medium 204 (e.g., a processing fluid). The mixer 106 of mixing system 200 is configured to mix the slurry 202 and the processing medium 204, and outputs a homogeneous mixture 206 through mixer outlet 108.
[0039] The mixing system 200 includes a first channel wall 210 (e.g., a first passage barrier, a first conduit, etc.). The first channel wall 210 is coupled to the inlet of the mixer 106, extends in the direction of the slurry source 102, and defines a first channel 112 such that slurry and processing media flowing through the first channel 112 flow within the first channel wall 210. In some embodiments, the first channel wall 210 has a circular profile, resulting in the first channel 112 having a circular profile. In other embodiments, the first channel wall 210 may have a profile with different shapes (e.g., a rectangular profile, a square profile, an oval profile, etc.), such that the first channel 112 has a profile with different shapes. In some embodiments, the first channel wall 210 may include a bend between the inlet of the first channel 112 and the inlet of the mixer 106. For example, the first channel wall 210 may include a 90-degree bend configured to change the orientation of the first channel 112. In other embodiments, the first channel wall 210 may be substantially straight and may not include a bend.
[0040] The mixing system 200 includes a second channel wall 212 (e.g., a second passage barrier, a second conduit, etc.) that partially surrounds the first channel wall 210. The second channel wall 212 is coupled to the inlet of the mixer 106 and extends in the direction of the slurry source 102. The second channel wall 212 and the first channel wall 210 cooperatively define a second channel 114 such that slurry and processing media flowing through the second channel 114 flow between the first channel wall 210 and the second channel wall 212. In some embodiments, both the second channel wall 212 and the first channel wall 210 have circular profiles, resulting in the second channel 114 having an annular profile. In some embodiments, the second channel 114 is coaxial with the first channel 112. In other embodiments, the second channel wall 212 and the first channel wall 210 may have profiles with different shapes, such that the second channel 114 has an annular profile with different shapes. In some embodiments, the first channel wall 210 and the second channel wall 212 may include a bend between the inlet of the second channel 114 and the inlet of the mixer 106. For example, the second channel wall 212 and the first channel wall 210 may include 90-degree bends configured to change the orientation of the second channel 114. A portion of the flow in the second channel 114 may flow around the first channel 112 and the first channel wall 210 to reach the inlet of the mixer 106. In other embodiments, the second channel wall 212 may be substantially straight. In some embodiments, the first channel wall 210 extends further than the second channel wall 212 in the direction of the slurry source 102, resulting in the first channel 112 being positioned closer to the slurry source 102 than the second channel 114. In other embodiments, the first channel wall 210 extends the same distance as the second channel wall 212 in the direction of the slurry source 102, or the second channel wall 212 extends further than the first channel wall 210 in the direction of the slurry source 102.
[0041] The mixing system 200 includes a third channel wall 214 (e.g., a third passage barrier, a third conduit, etc.) that partially surrounds the second channel wall 212. The third channel wall 214 is coupled to the inlet of the mixer 106 and extends in the direction of the slurry source 102. The third channel wall 214 and the second channel wall 212 cooperatively define a third channel 116 such that slurry and processing media flowing through the third channel 116 flow between the second channel wall 212 and the third channel wall 214. In some embodiments, both the third channel wall 214 and the second channel wall 212 have circular profiles, resulting in the third channel 116 having an annular profile. In some embodiments, the third channel 116 is coaxial with the second channel 114. In other embodiments, the third channel wall 214 and the second channel wall 212 may have profiles with different shapes, such that the third channel 116 has an annular profile with different shapes. In some embodiments, the third channel wall 214 may include a bend between the inlet of the third channel 116 and the inlet of the mixer 106. For example, the second channel wall 212 and the third channel wall 214 may include 90-degree bends configured to change the orientation of the third channel 116. A portion of the flow in the third channel 116 may flow around the second channel 114 and the first channel wall 210 to reach the inlet of the mixer 106. In other embodiments, the third channel wall 214 may be substantially straight. In some embodiments, the second channel wall 212 and the first channel wall 210 extend further in the direction of the slurry source 102 than the third channel wall 214, resulting in the second channel 114 being positioned closer to the slurry source 102 than the third channel 116. In other embodiments, the first channel wall 210 and the second channel wall 212 extend the same distance in the direction of the slurry source 102 as the third channel wall 214, or the third channel wall 214 extends further in the direction of the slurry source 102 than the first channel wall 210 and the second channel wall 212.
[0042] The mixing system 200 includes a fourth channel wall 216 (e.g., a fourth passage barrier, a fourth conduit, etc.) surrounding a third channel wall 214. The fourth channel wall 216 is coupled to the inlet of the mixer 106 and extends in the direction of the slurry source 102. The fourth channel wall 216 and the third channel wall 214 cooperatively define a fourth channel 118 such that slurry and processing media flowing through the fourth channel 118 flow between the third channel wall 214 and the fourth channel wall 216. In some embodiments, both the fourth channel wall 216 and the third channel wall 214 have circular profiles, resulting in the fourth channel 118 having an annular profile. In some embodiments, the fourth channel 118 is coaxial with the third channel 116. In other embodiments, the fourth channel wall 216 and the third channel wall 214 may have profiles with different shapes, such that the fourth channel 118 has an annular profile with different shapes. In some embodiments, the fourth channel wall 216 may include a bend between the inlet of the fourth channel 118 and the inlet of the mixer 106. For example, the fourth channel wall 216 and the third channel wall 214 may include 90-degree bends configured to change the orientation of the fourth channel 118. A portion of the flow in the fourth channel 118 may flow around the third channel 116 and the third channel wall 214 to reach the inlet of the mixer 106. In other embodiments, the fourth channel wall 216 may be substantially straight. In some embodiments, the second channel wall 212 and the third channel wall 214 extend further in the direction of the slurry source 102 than the fourth channel wall 216, resulting in the third channel 116 being positioned closer to the slurry source 102 than the fourth channel 118. In other embodiments, the second channel wall 212 and the third channel wall 214 extend the same distance in the direction of the slurry source 102 as the fourth channel wall 216, or the fourth channel wall 216 extends further in the direction of the slurry source 102 than the second channel wall 212 and the third channel wall 214.
[0043] The processing medium source 104 of the mixing system 200 includes a plurality of inlet conduits, shown as inlet channel 220, configured to provide processing medium 204 to each of a first channel 112, a second channel 114, a third channel 116, and a fourth channel 118. A first inlet conduit, shown as first inlet channel 222, is configured to provide processing medium 204 to first channel 112. A second inlet conduit, shown as second inlet channel 224, is configured to provide processing medium 204 to second channel 114. A third inlet conduit, shown as third inlet channel 226, is configured to provide processing medium 204 to third channel 116. A fourth inlet conduit, shown as fourth inlet channel 228, is configured to provide processing medium 204 to fourth channel 118. In other embodiments, one of the inlet channels 220 is configured to provide processing medium 204 to a plurality of channels 110.
[0044] In some embodiments, the inlet channel 220 is offset along the length of channel 110 (e.g., axially offset, etc.). For example, the first inlet channel 222 may be offset upstream of the second inlet channel 224 relative to the flow direction of the slurry 202, the second inlet channel 224 may be offset upstream of the third inlet channel 226, and the third inlet channel 226 may be offset upstream of the fourth inlet channel 228. As another example, the first inlet channel 222 may provide the processing medium to the first channel 112 at a first position, the second inlet channel 224 may provide the processing medium to the second channel 114 at a second position, and the first position may be along the axis A of the first channel 112. O The direction is offset from the second position. In other embodiments, the relative position of the inlet channel 220 may be positioned in other ways (e.g., the fourth inlet channel 228 may be positioned upstream of the third inlet channel 226, the third inlet channel 226 may be positioned upstream of the second inlet channel 224, the second inlet channel 224 may be positioned upstream of the first inlet channel 222, etc.).
[0045] In some embodiments, each of the inlet channels 220 includes a hole (e.g., an opening, etc.) at an end of the inlet channel 220, the hole being configured to align with one of the channels 110. For example, a first inlet channel 222 may include a first hole at an end of the first inlet channel 222, the first hole being aligned with the first channel 112. In some embodiments, an end of each of the inlet channels 220 may be located within at least one of the channels 110. For example, an end of the first inlet channel 222 may be located within the first channel 112. In various embodiments, a first selected end of the inlet channel 220 is located within a first selection of the channel 110, while a second selected end of the inlet channel 220 is located outside a second selection of the channel 110. For example, an end of the first inlet channel 222 may be located outside the first channel 112, and an end of the fourth inlet channel 228 may be located inside the fourth channel 118.
[0046] Figures 4-6An embodiment of the mixing system 100 is depicted, shown as mixing system 300. Mixing system 300 includes a slurry source 102, a processing medium source 104, a mixer 106, a mixer outlet 108, a first channel 112, and a second channel 114. Mixing system 300 is configured to receive slurry 302 from slurry source 102. Mixing system 300 is configured to receive processing medium 304 from processing medium source 104. The mixer 106 of mixing system 300 is configured to mix slurry 302 and processing medium 304, and outputs a homogeneous mixture 306 through mixer outlet 108.
[0047] The mixing system 300 includes a first channel wall 310 (e.g., a first passage barrier, a first conduit, etc.). The first channel wall 310 is coupled to the inlet of the mixer 106, extends in the direction of the slurry source 102, and defines a first channel 112 such that slurry and processing media flowing through the first channel 112 flow within the first channel wall 310. In some embodiments, the first channel wall 310 has a circular profile, resulting in the first channel 112 having a circular profile. In other embodiments, the first channel wall 310 may have a profile with different shapes (e.g., a rectangular profile, a square profile, an oval profile, etc.), such that the first channel 112 has a profile with different shapes.
[0048] The mixing system 300 includes a second channel wall 312 (e.g., a second passage barrier, a second conduit, etc.) surrounding a first channel wall 310. The second channel wall 312 is coupled to the inlet of the mixer 106 and extends in the direction of the slurry source 102. The second channel wall 312 and the first channel wall 310 cooperatively define a second channel 114 such that slurry and processing media flowing through the second channel 114 flow between the first channel wall 310 and the second channel wall 312. In some embodiments, both the second channel wall 312 and the first channel wall 310 have circular profiles, resulting in the second channel 114 having an annular profile. In some embodiments, the second channel 114 is coaxial with the first channel 112. In other embodiments, the second channel wall 312 and the first channel wall 310 may have profiles with different shapes, such that the second channel 114 has an annular profile with different shapes.
[0049] The processing medium source 104 of the hybrid system 300 includes a plurality of inlet channels 320 configured to provide processing medium 304 to each of a first channel 112 and a second channel 114. A first inlet channel, shown as a first inlet channel 322, is configured to provide processing medium 304 to the first channel 112. A second inlet channel, shown as a second inlet channel 324, is configured to provide processing medium 304 to the second channel 114. A third inlet channel, shown as a third inlet channel 326, is configured to provide processing medium 304 to the second channel 114. In some embodiments, the hybrid system 300 may include additional inlet channels 320 configured to provide processing medium 304 to either the first channel 112 or the second channel 114.
[0050] The first inlet channel 322, the second inlet channel 324, and the third inlet channel 326 are circumferentially offset around the first channel 112 and the second channel 114. For example, the first axis of the first inlet channel 322 may be about axis A of the first channel 112. O The second inlet channel 324 is circumferentially offset from the second axis of the second inlet channel 324 and the third axis of the third inlet channel 326. As another example, the first inlet channel 322 can provide the processing medium to the first channel 112 at a first position, the second inlet channel 324 can provide the processing medium to the second channel 114 at a second position, and the first position can be around axis A of the first channel 112. O The second position is offset circumferentially. As another example, the second inlet channel 324 can provide the processing medium to the second channel 114 at the first position, the third inlet channel 326 can provide the processing medium to the second channel 114 at the second position, and the first position can be about axis A of the first channel 112. OThe first and second positions are circumferentially offset from the second position, such that the first and second positions are located on opposite sides of channel 110. In some embodiments, the second inlet channel 324 and the third inlet channel 326 are each positioned orthogonal (e.g., substantially perpendicular) to the first inlet channel 322 about the first channel 112 and the second channel 114, such that the second inlet channel 324 and the third inlet channel 326 are positioned on opposite sides of the first channel 112 and the second channel 114. For example, the axis of the first inlet channel 322 may be substantially perpendicular to the axis of the second inlet channel 324. In other embodiments, the first inlet channel 322, the second inlet channel 324, and the third inlet channel 326 are circumferentially spaced about the first channel 112 and the second channel 114, such that the angle between the first inlet channel 322 and the second inlet channel 324 is equal to the angle between the first inlet channel 322 and the third inlet channel 326. In other embodiments with an additional inlet channel 320, the inlet channel 320 may be circumferentially spaced by an equal distance about the first channel 112 and the second channel 114.
[0051] Figure 7 and Figure 8 An embodiment of the mixing system 100 is depicted, shown as a mixing system 400. The mixing system 400 includes a slurry source 102, a processing medium source 104, a mixer 106, a mixer outlet 108, a first channel 112, a second channel 114, a third channel 116, and a fourth channel 118. The mixing system 400 is configured to receive slurry 402 from the slurry source 102. The mixing system 400 is configured to receive processing medium 404 from the processing medium source 104. The mixer 106 of the mixing system 400 is configured to mix the slurry 402 and the processing medium 404, and outputs a homogeneous mixture 406 through the mixer outlet 108.
[0052] The mixing system 400 includes a first channel wall 410 (e.g., a first passage barrier, a first conduit, etc.). The first channel wall 410 is coupled to the inlet of the mixer 106 and to the slurry source 102, such that the first channel wall 410 partially encloses the area between the inlet of the mixer 106 and the slurry source 102. In some embodiments, the first channel wall 410 has a circular profile. In other embodiments, the first channel wall 410 may have a profile with different shapes (e.g., a rectangular profile, a square profile, an oval profile, etc.).
[0053] The mixing system 400 includes a second channel wall 412 positioned inside the first channel wall 410 and coupled to the inner surface of the first channel wall 410 at a first end. The mixing system 400 also includes a third channel wall 414 positioned inside the first channel wall 410, coupled to the inner surface of the first channel wall 410 at a first end, and coupled to the second end of the second channel wall 412 at a second end. The first channel wall 410, the second channel wall 412, and the third channel wall 414 cooperatively define a first channel 112, such that slurry and processing media flowing through the first channel 112 flow between the first channel wall 410, the second channel wall 412, and the third channel wall 414.
[0054] The mixing system 400 includes a fourth channel wall 416 positioned inside a first channel wall 410, coupled to the inner surface of the first channel wall 410 at a first end, and coupled to the second end of a third channel wall 414 at a second end. The first channel wall 410, the third channel wall 414, and the fourth channel wall 416 cooperatively define a second channel 114, such that slurry and processing media flowing through the second channel 114 flow between the first channel wall 410, the third channel wall 414, and the fourth channel wall 416.
[0055] The mixing system 400 includes a fifth channel wall 418 positioned inside a first channel wall 410, connected at a first end to the inner surface of the first channel wall 410, connected at a second end to a second end of a fourth channel wall 416, and connected at a second end of a second channel wall 412. The first channel wall 410, the fourth channel wall 416, and the fifth channel wall 418 cooperatively define a third channel 116, such that slurry and processing media flowing through the third channel 116 flow between the first channel wall 410, the fourth channel wall 416, and the fifth channel wall 418. The first channel wall 410, the second channel wall 412, and the fifth channel wall 418 cooperatively define a fourth channel 118, such that slurry and processing media flowing through the fourth channel 118 flow between the first channel wall 410, the second channel wall 412, and the fifth channel wall 418.
[0056] The processing medium source 104 of the mixing system 400 includes a plurality of inlet channels 420 configured to provide processing medium 404 to each of a first channel 112, a second channel 114, a third channel 116, and a fourth channel 118. The first inlet channel, shown as first inlet channel 422, is configured to provide processing medium 404 to first channel 112. The second inlet channel, shown as second inlet channel 424, is configured to provide processing medium 404 to second channel 114. The third inlet channel, shown as third inlet channel 426, is configured to provide processing medium to third channel 116. The fourth inlet channel, shown as fourth inlet channel 428, is configured to provide processing medium to fourth channel 118. The first inlet channel 422, the second inlet channel 424, the third inlet channel 426, and the fourth inlet channel 428 are circumferentially positioned around a first channel wall 410. In some embodiments, each of the first inlet channel 422, the second inlet channel 424, the third inlet channel 426, and the fourth inlet channel 428 includes an opening at the end of each of the inlet channels 420, the opening being configured to align with one of the first channel 112, the second channel 114, the third channel 116, or the fourth channel 118.
[0057] Figure 9 Examples of methods 500 for mixing slurries and treatment media are depicted (e.g., methods for mixing slurry suspensions and treatment media, methods for mixing slurry slurries and bleaching agents, methods for mixing slurries and treatment fluids, etc.). Method 500 is configured to provide slurries (e.g., slurry 202, slurry 302, slurry 402, etc.) to multiple channels (e.g., first channel 112, second channel 114, third channel 116, fourth channel 118, etc.), provide treatment media (e.g., treatment media 204, treatment media 304, treatment media 404, etc.) to channel 110, provide a premix of slurry and treatment media to a mixer (e.g., mixer 106, etc.), and mix the premix to form a homogeneous mixture (e.g., homogeneous mixture 206, homogeneous mixture 306, homogeneous mixture 406, etc.). In this way, slurries and treatment media can be effectively and efficiently mixed into a homogeneous mixture.
[0058] Method 500 begins at step 510, which includes providing a portion of slurry to each of a plurality of channels (e.g., conduits, etc.). In some embodiments, each of the channels receives a portion of slurry from a slurry source. In some embodiments, slurry source 102 provides a portion of slurry to each of the channels 110.
[0059] Method 500 continues to step 520, which includes providing a portion of the processing medium to each of the channels to form a slurry and a premix of the processing medium in each of the channels. In some embodiments, the processing medium source 104 provides the processing medium to each of the channels 110 to form a slurry and a premix of the processing medium in each of the channels 110.
[0060] In some embodiments, method 500 includes passively premixing a portion of slurry and a portion of processing medium within each of the channels. In some embodiments, the passive premixing of the slurry and processing medium within each of the channels forms a premix of slurry and processing medium within each of the channels. In some embodiments, the channels are configured to provide the premix to a mixer inlet of a mixer configured to mix the premix to form a homogeneous mixture. In some embodiments, each of the channels may include a passive agitation mechanism (e.g., a vortex column, a helical passage, etc.) configured to aid in the premixing of the slurry and processing medium.
[0061] Method 500 proceeds to step 530, which includes mixing the premixes from each of the channels to form a homogeneous mixture. In some embodiments, step 530 is performed by a mixer configured to mix the slurry and the premixes of the processing medium from each of the channels into a homogeneous mixture. In some embodiments, step 530 is performed by mixer 106. For example, mixer 106 may receive premixes from each of the channels 110. Mixer 106 may be operated to mix the premixes from each of the channels 110 to form a homogeneous mixture.
[0062] As used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning and are consistent with common and acceptable use by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who read this disclosure will understand that these terms are intended to allow for the description of certain features described and claimed, without limiting the scope of those features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that non-substantial or irrelevant modifications or alterations to the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.
[0063] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and its variations, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate possible examples, representations or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
[0064] As used herein, the term "coupled" and its variations mean two components that are directly or indirectly joined together. Such a joint can be static (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such a joint can be achieved by: two components being directly coupled together; two components being coupled together using a single intermediate component and any additional intermediate component that connects them; or two components being coupled together using an intermediate component that forms a single unit with one of the two components. If "coupled" or its variations are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the general definition of "coupled" provided above is modified by the common linguistic meaning of the additional term (e.g., "directly coupled" means two components joined without any separate intermediate component), resulting in a narrower definition than the general definition of "coupled" provided above. Such a joint can be mechanical, electrical, or fluid. The term "fluidly coupled" and its variations, as used herein, mean two components that are directly or indirectly joined together, such that fluid can flow directly or indirectly from one component to the other (e.g., fluid-guided coupling, etc.).
[0065] References to the position of elements (e.g., "top", "bottom", "above", "below") herein are used only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and these variations are intended to be covered by this disclosure.
[0066] Although the accompanying drawings and descriptions may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of these steps may differ from the order depicted and described unless otherwise specified above. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified above, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. These variations may depend on, for example, the chosen software and hardware system and the designer's choices. All such variations are within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, software implementations of the described methods can be accomplished using standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to perform various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.
[0067] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the hybrid system 100 and its components as illustrated in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Furthermore, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be combined with or used in conjunction with any other embodiment disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A system for mixing a processing medium into a slurry, the system comprising: A mixer configured to mix the slurry and the processing medium, the mixer comprising: - Mixing chamber, - A mixer inlet, fluidly connected upstream of the mixing chamber, and - A mixer outlet, which is fluidly connected downstream of the mixing chamber to the mixing chamber; Multiple walls define multiple channels, each of which is fluidly connected to the mixer inlet; A slurry source, fluidly connected to each of the channels, wherein the slurry source supplies a portion of the slurry to each of the channels; and A processing medium source that provides a portion of the processing medium to each of the channels. Each of the channels provides the portion of the slurry and the portion of the processing medium to the mixer inlet.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The channel is coaxial.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first inlet conduit defining a first inlet opening, the first inlet opening fluidly connecting the processing medium source to at least one channel in the channel, such that the processing medium source provides processing medium to the at least one channel in the channel through the first inlet opening.
4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The first inlet opening fluidly connects the processing medium source to the first channel and the second channel in the channel, such that the processing medium source provides processing medium to the first channel and the second channel in the channel through the first inlet opening.
5. The system of claim 3, further comprising a second inlet conduit defining a second inlet opening, wherein: The first inlet opening fluidly connects the processing medium source to the first channel in the channel, such that the processing medium source provides the processing medium to the first channel in the channel through the first inlet opening; and The second inlet opening fluidly connects the processing medium source to the second channel in the channel, such that the processing medium source provides the processing medium to the second channel in the channel through the second inlet opening.
6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The first inlet opening is offset from the second inlet opening in the direction of the axis of the first channel in the channel.
7. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The axis of the first inlet opening is circumferentially offset from the axis of the second inlet opening around the axis of the first channel in the channel.
8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The axis of the first inlet opening is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the second inlet opening.
9. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The end of the first inlet conduit defines an orifice that fluidly connects the first inlet opening to at least one channel in the channel; and The end of the first inlet conduit is positioned within the at least one channel in the channel.
10. The system of claim 3, further comprising a second inlet conduit defining a second inlet opening that fluidly connects the processing medium source to the at least one channel in the channel, such that the processing medium source provides processing medium to the at least one channel in the channel through the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening.
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The first inlet catheter and the second inlet catheter are positioned on opposite sides of the at least one channel in the channel.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a third inlet conduit defining a third inlet opening, wherein: The first inlet opening and the second inlet opening fluidly connect the processing medium source to the first channel in the channel, such that the processing medium source provides the processing medium to the first channel in the channel through the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening; and The third inlet opening fluidly connects the processing medium source to the second channel in the channel, such that the processing medium source provides the processing medium to the second channel in the channel through the third inlet opening.
13. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The flow area of the outer channel in the channel is greater than the flow area of the inner channel in the channel.
14. A method for mixing a processing medium into a slurry, the method comprising: A portion of the slurry is supplied to each of the multiple channels; A portion of the processing medium is provided to each of the channels to form a premix of slurry and processing medium within each of the channels; and The premix from each of the channels is mixed to form a homogeneous mixture.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The channel is coaxial.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein: A first portion of the processing medium is provided at a first location to a first channel in the channel; The second portion of the processing medium is provided at the second position to the second channel in the channel; and The second position is offset from the first position in the direction of the axis of the first channel in the channel.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein: A first portion of the processing medium is provided at a first location to a first channel in the channel; The second portion of the processing medium is provided at the second position to the second channel in the channel; and The second position is circumferentially offset from the first position around the axis of the first channel in the channel.
18. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Mixing the premix to form the homogeneous mixture comprises: The premixes are supplied separately to the mixer; and The mixer is operated to mix the premix, thereby forming the homogeneous mixture.
19. The method of claim 14, further comprising: The portion of the slurry and the portion of the processing medium are passively premixed within each of the channels to form the premix of the slurry and the processing medium within each of the channels.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein: A first portion of the processing medium is provided at a first location to a first channel in the channel; The second portion of the processing medium is provided at the second location to the first channel in the channel; and The first position and the second position are located on opposite sides of the first channel in the channel.