Methods and apparatus involving the discharge or extraction of a transport fluid from a blast stream

Abstract

The method and apparatus entrain particles from a flow of a transport fluid (4) carrying the particles into a flow of a blast fluid, with an effective amount of the transport fluid being discharged or extracted before the particles are entrained into the flow of the blast fluid (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] 〔Priority〕 This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 358,057, filed on July 1, 2022, entitled "Method and Apparatus with Venting or Extraction of Transport Fluid from Blast Stream", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] Particle blast systems that utilize various types of blast media are well known. Systems for entraining cryogenic particles, such as solid carbon dioxide particles, in a transport fluid and directing the entrained particles towards an object / target are well known, as are the various components associated therewith, such as nozzles, and are shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 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] Furthermore, the following applications and their disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0093196, which is U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 853,194, filed on September 11, 2007, for Particle Blast System With Synchronized Feeder and Particle Generator; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 589,551, filed on January 23, 2012, for Method And Apparatus For Sizing Carbon Dioxide Particles; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 592,313, filed on January 30, 2012, for Method And Apparatus For Dispensing Carbon Dioxide Particles; U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 475,454, filed on May 18, 2012, for Method And Apparatus For Forming Carbon Dioxide Pellets; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0110510, which is U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 062,118, filed on October 24, 2013, for Apparatus Including At Least An Impeller Or Diverter And For Dispensing Carbon Dioxide Particles And Method Of Use; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0166350, which is U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 516,125, filed on October 16, 2014, for Method And Apparatus For Forming Solid Carbon Dioxide; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0106500, which is U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 297,967, filed on October 19, 2016, for Blast Media Comminutor; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0321942, which is U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 961,321, filed on April 24, 2018, for Particle Blast Apparatus;U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 890,044, filed on August 21, 2019, for Particle Blast Apparatus and Method; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0053187, which is U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 999,633, filed on August 21, 2020, for Particle Blast Apparatus and Method; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 955,893, filed on December 31, 2019, for Method and Apparatus For Enhanced Blast Stream; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0197337, which is U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 139,292, filed on December 31, 2020, for Method and Apparatus For Enhanced Blast Stream; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 185,467, filed on May 7, 2021, for Method and Apparatus for Forming Solid Carbon Dioxide; and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 738,389, filed on May 6, 2022, for Method and Apparatus for Forming Solid Carbon Dioxide.;

[0004] Particle blast apparatuses that accompany a non-cryogenic blast medium, such as, but not limited to, an abrasive blast medium, are also well known. Examples of abrasive blast media include, but are not limited to, silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, glass beads, crushed glass, and plastics. The abrasive blast medium can be more aggressive than a dry ice medium and, depending on the situation, its use may be preferred.

[0005] Hybrid media blasting is also known, in which two or more media are carried in a stream directed at a target. In one form of hybrid media blasting, dry ice particles and an abrasive medium are carried in a single stream and directed at a target.

[0006] Many factors affect the ultimate performance of the entrained particle flow exiting the blast nozzle of a particle blast system and impinging on a target. The kinetic energy of the particles upon impact with the target plays an important role in the effectiveness of the entrained particle flow in achieving desired results, such as the removal of contaminants from various types of surfaces, the alteration of the properties of various types of surfaces, or the separation of components (e.g., in particular, the removal of coatings or layers of contaminants from a substrate).

[0007] Typical prior art systems that utilize cryogenic particles transport the particles entrained in a flow of a transport fluid, typically air. In some systems, the particles are entrained in the flow of the transport fluid by a particle feeder that introduces the particles into the transport fluid, and are carried through a delivery hose to a blast nozzle from which they are discharged. In these systems, the transport fluid must have sufficient kinetic energy to carry the particles from the feeder through the delivery hose to the blast nozzle. The transport fluid must have sufficient energy to discharge the particles from the blast nozzle and reach the target, regardless of whether the flow is subsonic, sonic, or supersonic.

[0008] In other systems, the particles are entrained in the transport fluid and carried through a hose to a mixing nozzle where the flow of particles entrained in the transport fluid is typically combined with the flow of a blast fluid through a venturi tube and discharged from the blast nozzle. In such systems, the transport fluid must have sufficient energy to carry the particles to the venturi tube in a state where the blast fluid has the energy necessary to cooperate with the transport fluid to discharge the particles from the blast nozzle. In some versions, the venturi tube is integrated with the blast nozzle.

[0009] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments that are useful in explaining the principles of this innovation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In the following description, like reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout several views. Also, in the following description, terms such as front, back, inside, outside, etc. are for convenience only and are not to be construed as limiting terms. It is understood that the terms used in this patent are not meant to limit the device described herein or a part thereof as long as it can be mounted or utilized in other orientations. Referring to the drawings in more detail, one or more embodiments constructed in accordance with the teachings of this innovation will be described.

[0012] It should be understood that, with respect to all or part of any patent, publication, or other disclosure material that is hereby incorporated by reference into this specification, the disclosure explicitly set forth herein shall prevail over any conflicting material incorporated by reference into this specification. Definitions, descriptions, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure shall prevail over such material incorporated by reference to the extent necessary.

[0013] For the sake of clarity, spatial terms such as "upstream", "downstream", "above", "outer", "inner", and "below" are used herein to refer to relative positions and directions. Such terms are used below with reference to the figures as illustrated for the sake of clarity and are not intended to limit the innovations described herein.

[0014] The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0015] 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, thereby reducing the kinetic energy available to accelerate the particles exiting the blast nozzle, and thus reducing the kinetic energy of the particles at the time of impact. In systems that combine the flow of the transport fluid with the flow of the blast fluid, the cold transport fluid significantly reduces the kinetic energy of the combined flow, reducing the kinetic energy available to accelerate the particles exiting the blast nozzle, and thus the kinetic energy of the particles at the time of impact can be reduced.

[0016] The co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 139,292, related to Method and Apparatus For Enhanced Blast Stream, discloses adding energy to a carrier particle stream by combining a heated fluid stream with the carrier particle stream. Even with the addition of the heated fluid stream, the cold transport fluid reduces the temperature of the combined stream and the kinetic energy of the particles and the carrier fluid reaching the target. The reduction of the fluid's energy in the form of a temperature decrease means there is less thermal energy to heat and weaken the bond between the coating or contaminant and the substrate.

[0017] Referring more particularly to the drawings, one or more embodiments constructed in accordance with the teachings of this innovation will be described.

[0018] Figure 1 schematically shows a particle blast system 2 configured in accordance with one or more teachings of the present invention. In Figure 1, the particle blast system 2 includes a source 4 of particles entrained in a transport fluid, a source 6 of blast fluid, a flow mixer 8, and a blast nozzle 10. The particles entrained in the transport fluid are conveyed / delivered from the source 4 of particles entrained in the transport fluid to the flow mixer 8, as shown by line 12 in Figure 1. The particles entrained in the transport fluid can be conveyed / delivered to the flow mixer 8 via a hose, a tube, or other conduit suitable for enabling the conveyance / delivery of the particles entrained in the transport fluid. The blast fluid is conveyed / delivered from the source 6 of blast fluid to the flow mixer 8, as shown by line 14 in Figure 1. The blast fluid can be conveyed / delivered to the flow mixer 8 via a hose, a tube, or other conduit suitable for enabling the conveyance / delivery of the blast fluid. The source 4 of particles entrained in the transport fluid can be any suitable source of particles entrained in the transport fluid from which the particles entrained in the transport fluid can be conveyed / delivered to the flow mixer 8. The source 6 of blast fluid can be any suitable source of blast fluid from which the blast fluid can be conveyed / delivered to the flow mixer 8. The blast nozzle 10 can be any suitable nozzle adapted to the system and its operating parameters. The blast nozzle 10 can be subsonic, sonic, or supersonic.

[0019] FIG. 2 schematically shows a particle blasting system 16 similar to the particle blasting system 2 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the particle feeder assembly 18 functions as a source of particles entrained in a transport fluid. The particle feeder assembly 18 can be configured to receive particles from a particle source 20 and receive a transport fluid from a fluid source 22. The particle feeder assembly 18 can discharge a stream of particles entrained in the transport fluid that is conveyed / delivered to the flow mixer 8, as indicated by line 24, at an outlet 18a. The stream of particles entrained in the transport fluid can be conveyed / delivered to the flow mixer 8 via a hose, tube, or other conduit suitable for enabling the conveyance / delivery of particles entrained in the transport fluid. The particle feeder assembly 18 can be of any suitable configuration that discharges particles entrained in a transport fluid, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 961,321, by way of non-limiting example. This can include a grinder (not shown) configured to control / alter the size of the particles, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 961,321 or as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 297,967. By way of non-limiting example, the pressure of the transport fluid flowing with the entrained particles through line 24, such as a transport fluid having entrained particles discharged by the particle feeder assembly disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 961,321, may be higher than atmospheric pressure. Or, by way of non-limiting example, the pressure of the transport fluid flowing with the entrained particles through line 24, such as a transport fluid having entrained particles discharged by the particle feeder assembly disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,024,304, may be less than atmospheric pressure.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a heater 26 as a source of blast fluid that is conveyed to the flow mixer 8 as indicated by line 28. The temperature of the blast fluid when it reaches the flow mixer 8 or the intersection 44 may be any suitable temperature, for example, about 398.89° C. (about 750° F.). This temperature may be within a temperature range that extends from above ambient temperature to about 398.89° C. (about 750° F.) and includes about 398.89° C. (about 750° F.), including but not limited to the range of about 65.56° C. (about 150° F.) to about 93.33° C. (about 200° F.). Depending on the desired performance and target, the temperature of the heated stream may be higher than about 398.89° C. (about 750° F.), including but not limited to the range of about 398.89° C. (about 750° F.) to about 426.67° C. (about 800° F.). In some embodiments, the blast fluid may not be heated. The blast fluid may be conveyed / delivered to the flow mixer 8 via a hose, tube, or other conduit suitable for enabling the conveyance / delivery of the blast fluid. The fluid source 22 may be a source of fluid for the heater 26, in which case the fluid source 22 may be characterized as a source of blast fluid. The particle blast system 16 may also include a dryer 30 that may be configured and arranged to remove moisture from the blast fluid. The temperature of one or more of the transport fluid, the transport fluid having entrained particles, the blast 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 blast nozzle outlet. A processing system 32, which may be microprocessor-based or of any suitable configuration, may be configured to control the temperature and flow rate of the heated blast fluid stream, as well as the mass flow, particle size, and flow rate of the entrained particle stream.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an exemplary embodiment of the flow mixer 8 is shown in cross-section. The flow mixer 8 includes an inlet end cap 34, a central housing 36, and an outlet end cap 38. The flow mixer 8 defines a first flow passage 40 and a second flow passage 42. The second flow passage 42 intersects and is in fluid communication with the first flow passage 40 at an intersection 44. The portion of the first flow passage 40 that extends downstream of the intersection 44 may also be referred to as a combined flow passage 46. The first flow passage 40 may be disposed at an angle with respect to the combined flow passage 46, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0022] The first flow passage 40 includes an inlet 40a, and the second flow passage 42 includes an inlet 42a. The inlet end cap 34 includes respective attachment configurations at the inlet 40a and the inlet 42a that are adapted to connect the physical embodiments of lines 14 and 12.

[0023] The combined flow passage 46 includes an outlet or an exit 46a. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet end cap 38 includes an attachment configuration at the exit 46a that is adapted to connect the blast nozzle 10. Alternatively, the blast nozzle 10 may not be directly attached to the flow mixer 8.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the illustrated embodiment of the flow mixer 8. FIG. 7 shows the inlet end cap 34 and the outlet end cap 38 disassembled from the central housing 36 and shows the internal cavity 36a. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the first flow passage 40 is defined by an upper insert 48 and a central insert 50 disposed within the internal cavity 36a.

[0025] As can be seen at least in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cross-sectional area of the first flow passage 40 may decrease in the flow direction (downstream) indicated by arrow 54. The cross-sectional area of the second flow passage 42 may decrease in the flow direction (downstream) indicated by arrow 56. The cross-sectional area of the combined flow passage 46 may increase in the flow direction (downstream) indicated by arrow 58 or may remain substantially constant.

[0026] As seen in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the second flow passage 42 includes a plurality of vents 60 that extend upstream from the intersection 44. As shown, the vents 60 are in direct fluid communication with the second flow passage 42. As used herein, "direct fluid communication" means that there are no intermediate components through which fluid can flow, and correspondingly, "indirect fluid communication" means that at least one intermediate component may be located between two components that are said to be in fluid communication. Thus, as used herein, "fluid communication" refers to either direct fluid communication or indirect fluid communication. Although a plurality of vents 60 are present in the depicted embodiment, one or more vents may be used. Further, in the depicted embodiment, the vents 60 extend upstream from the intersection 44, but one or more vents 60 may be adjacent to (as shown), proximal to, and / or at one or more locations further upstream from the intersection 44, and 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, at any one or more locations along the second flow passage 42 that are sufficient for this purpose. The number, length, and width (also referred to herein as the vent area or total vent area) can be sufficient to discharge the transport fluid from the flow of particles entrained in the transport fluid in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The width of the vents 60 can be made smaller than the expected minimum size of the particles that are desired to be discharged from the blast nozzle, such that those particles do not flow through the vents 60.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the combined flow passage 46 includes a plurality of vents 62 that extend downstream from the intersection 44. As shown, the vents 62 are in direct fluid communication with the combined flow passage 46. Although there are a plurality of vents 62 in the illustrated embodiment, one or more vents may be used, or the vents 62 may be completely omitted. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the vents 62 extend downstream from the intersection 44, but one or more vents 62 may be adjacent to the intersection 44 (as shown), proximal to the intersection 44, and / or at one or more positions further downstream from the intersection 44, and may be located at any one or more positions along the combined flow passage 46 that 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. The number, length, and width (also referred to herein as the vent area or total vent area) can be such that they are sufficient to discharge the transport fluid from the flow of particles entrained in the transport fluid in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The width of the vents 62 can be made smaller than the expected minimum size of the particles desired to be discharged from the blast nozzle so that those particles do not flow through the vents 62.

[0028] The vent 60 fluidly communicates the second flow passage 42 with the vent passage 64. The vent 62 fluidly communicates the combined flow passage 46 with the vent passage 64. The vent passage 64 includes a vent outlet 66. The vent passage 64 may be open to the surroundings as shown, may have a breathable acoustic attenuation device (not shown), or may be connected to a vent hose or conduit (not shown). Further, the vent passage 64 is connected to a passage having a lower pressure, whereby the transport fluid can be suctioned therethrough.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 8, the flow mixer 8 is illustrated in a perspective view where the inlets 40a, 42a are visible. FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8, with the inlet end cap 34 omitted, and the inlets 40b, 42b to the portions of the first flow passage 40 and the second flow passage 42 defined by the upper insert 48, the central insert 50, and the lower insert 52 are revealed. As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the inlets 40b, 42b are circular, but any suitable cross-sectional shape may be used.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 3. The generally circular shape of the inlets 40b and 42b is visible. FIG. 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the flow mixer 8 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 3. In FIG. 11, the shape changes of the first flow passage 40 and the second flow passage 42 progressing in the downstream direction can be seen. The first flow passage 40 transitions from a generally circular cross-sectional shape at the inlet 40b, becomes flatter, and has a smaller vertical dimension. The second flow passage 42 transitions from a generally circular cross-sectional shape at the inlet 42b, becomes flatter, wider, and has a smaller vertical dimension and a larger lateral dimension.

[0031] FIG. 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the flow mixer 8 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the continuous shape changes of the first flow passage 40 and the second flow passage 42 can be seen. The respective cross-sectional areas of the first flow passage 40 and the second flow passage 42 can decrease in the downstream direction up to a transition stop point, such as the intersection 44 for example. At the transition stop point, the respective cross-sectional areas of the first flow passage 40 and the second flow passage 42 can stop decreasing.

[0032] FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the flow mixer 8 taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 3. The downstream ends of the upper insert 48, the central insert 50, and the lower insert 52 can be seen together with the vent 60.

[0033] The cross-section visible in FIG. 14 is along line 14-14 of FIG. 3. At this location, the transition of the cross-sectional shape of the combined flow passage 46 defined by the outlet end cap 38 can be seen from the shape at the intersection 44. As seen in FIG. 15, which is a perspective cross-sectional view of the flow mixer 8 along line 15-15 of FIG. 3, the transition of the cross-sectional shape of the combined flow passage 46 towards the generally circular cross-sectional shape at the outlet 46a (see FIG. 6) can be seen. The cross-sectional area of the combined flow passage 46 can increase or remain substantially constant in the downstream direction from the intersection 44 to the outlet 46a.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 16, an exploded view of the upper insert 48, the central insert 50, and the lower insert 52 is shown without the central housing 36, the inlet end cap 34, and the outlet end cap 38. The downstream ends of these inserts are aligned and shown at line 44a, which, when assembled, coincides with the intersection 44. The upper insert 48 includes a channel 48a, which cooperates with the channel 50a of the central insert 50 to form the first passage 40. The central insert 50 includes a channel (not visible in FIG. 16) on its lower surface, which cooperates with the channel 52a of the lower insert 52 to form the second passage 42. In the illustrated embodiment, a vent 60 is formed in the lower insert 52 and covers and is in fluid communication with the vent passage 64.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 17, a perspective view of the outlet end cap 38 showing the upstream portion 38a extending into the internal cavity 36a is shown. The upstream portion 38a includes a vent 62 and defines a part of the combined flow passage 46. FIG. 17 also shows a slot 38b disposed above the combined flow passage 46 and aligned with the vent 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 38b is not a vent but is formed as part of the process of forming the vent 62.

[0036] During operation, the flow of the blast fluid, typically air, can be directed through the first flow passage 40. As described above, the energy of the blast fluid flow can be increased, such as by heating, and for example, without limitation, high-temperature blast fluid can be generated at the parameters described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 139,292. The flow of the transport fluid, typically air entrained with particles, can be directed through the second flow passage 42. The particles can include cryogenic particles, non-cryogenic particles, or mixed media particles. In the case of cryogenic particles such as carbon dioxide particles as a non-limiting example, the temperature and sublimation of the particles affect the energy of the transport fluid, such as by reducing the temperature. At the intersection 44 operating within the design parameters, the pressure of the blast fluid flow and the flow of entrained particles is such that the particles are combined or merged with the blast fluid flow, and all or a sufficient or significant portion of the transport fluid passes through vents 60 and / or 62, enters the vent passage 64, and exits through the vent outlet 66. Discharging the transport fluid proximal to, or adjacent to, the confluence or introduction of the particles into the blast fluid flow prevents or reduces the effect of the lower temperature (lower thermal energy) of the transport fluid on the thermal and kinetic energy of the blast fluid. As used herein, the term "vent" refers to a structure that allows at least a portion of the transport fluid to be separated from the particles and / or the combined flow without being recombined with the combined flow before the combined flow exits the flow mixer or blast nozzle, depending on whether the vent is located upstream or downstream of the intersection 44. As used herein, the term "design parameters" refers to the operating conditions and / or values sufficient for the device to provide the desired performance.

[0037] As will be appreciated, the greater the volume of the flow of the transport fluid that is discharged (i.e., does not exist within / is not combined with the blast fluid flow), the smaller the impact that the lower energy of the transport fluid can have on the energy of the blast fluid flow. While within the scope of the teachings of the present invention and desirable, the teachings of the present invention do not require that all of the transport fluid be discharged before the particles are entrained (combined / merged / introduced) into the flow of the blast fluid.

[0038] In accordance with many teachings of the present invention, the transport fluid flow is a flowing fluid having sufficient energy to transport the entrained particles therein to a combination / merger / introduction into the flow of the blast fluid. The blast fluid flow is a fluid flow having sufficient energy in relation to the influence of the transport fluid at the time of combination / merger / introduction for discharging the particles from the blast nozzle.

[0039] FIG. 18 shows an alternative embodiment of a flow mixer constructed in accordance with one or more teachings of the present invention. The flow mixer 108 includes an inlet end cap 134, a central housing 136, and an outlet end cap 138. The flow mixer 108 includes a first flow passage 140, a second flow passage 142, and a combined flow passage 146. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the flow mixer 108 includes an intersection 144, an upper insert 148, a central insert 150, a lower insert 152, vents 160, 162, a vent passage 164, and a vent outlet 166, which are similar to the structures with the corresponding names and numbers of the flow mixer 8 described above.

[0040] The configuration, structure, and operation of the flow mixer 108 differ from those of the flow mixer 8 described above in that the flow mixer 108 includes an integral blast nozzle. In the illustrated embodiment, the combined flow passage 146 is defined by a central insert 180 and a lower insert 182. Referring also to FIG. 19, the central insert 180 includes a channel 180a, which cooperates with the channel 182a of the lower insert 182 to form the combined flow passage 146 at the upstream end of the inserts 180, 182, resulting in a converging-diverging nozzle profile downstream thereof. The converging-diverging nozzle portion has a throat 184, at which, under the design parameters, the flow reaches Mach 1 and then expands to a supersonic flow.

[0041] Example 1: A method comprising the steps of providing a flow of blast fluid, transporting a periodically continuous flow of particles entrained in a transport fluid to a location proximal to the flow of blast fluid, separating the flow of particles from at least an effective portion of the transport fluid, and then introducing, combining, or entraining the particles into the flow of blast fluid. Example 2: The method according to Example 1, wherein the blast fluid is heated. Example 3: The method according to Example 1, wherein the blast fluid is at least 371.11 degrees Celsius (700 degrees Fahrenheit). Example 4: The method according to Example 1, comprising directing a flow of blast fluid having entrained particles toward a target workpiece. Example 5: The method according to Example 4, comprising increasing the velocity of the particles after they are entrained in the flow of blast fluid and before the flow of blast fluid having entrained particles is directed toward a target workpiece. Example 6: The method according to Example 1, wherein the step of separating the flow of particles from the transport fluid comprises discharging the transport fluid from the flow of particles entrained in the transport fluid. Example 7: The method according to Example 1, wherein the step of separating the flow of particles from the transport fluid is performed before the particles are entrained into the flow of blast fluid. Example 8: The method according to Example 1, wherein at least a part of the step of separating the particle flow from the transport fluid is carried out while the particles are entrained in the blast fluid flow. Example 9: A flow mixer comprising a first flow passage, a second flow passage intersecting the first flow passage at an intersection, a combined flow passage in fluid communication with the first and second flow passages at the intersection, and one or more vents in direct fluid communication with the second flow passage, the one or more vents being disposed proximal to the intersection. Example 10: The flow mixer according to Example 9, wherein the one or more vents extend upstream from the intersection. Example 11: The flow mixer according to Example 9, comprising one or more vents in direct fluid communication with the combined flow passage, the one or more vents being disposed proximal to the intersection. Example 12: The flow mixer according to Example 11, wherein the one or more vents in direct fluid communication with the combined flow passage extend downstream from the intersection.

[0042] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, an element, or any portion of an element, or any combination of elements can be implemented using a "processing system" that includes one or more physical devices including 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 the various functionalities described throughout the present disclosure. One or more processors within the processing system can execute processor-executable instructions. A processing system that executes instructions that affect a result is configured to perform a task that results in a result, such as by providing, to one or more components of the processing system, instructions that cause those components to perform operations that result in the result, either alone or in combination with other operations performed by other components of the processing system. Software is broadly construed to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. Software can reside on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can be a non-transitory computer-readable medium.A computer-readable medium includes, by way of example, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs)), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), registers, removable disks, 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 within the processing system, be external to the processing system, or be distributed across multiple entities including the processing system. The computer-readable medium can be embodied in a computer program product. By way of example, the computer program product can include the computer-readable medium in a package material. Those skilled in the art will recognize how best to implement the described functionality presented throughout this disclosure in view of the particular application and overall design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0043] Explicit definition "Based on" means that something is determined at least in part by the thing indicated as "based on". If something is completely determined by a thing, it would be described as "exclusively based on" that thing.

[0044] "Processor" means a device that can be configured to perform various functionalities described in the present disclosure, either individually 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, gate logic, and discrete hardware circuits. The phrase "processing system" is used to refer to one or more processors that may be included in a single device or distributed among multiple physical devices.

[0045] The description that a processing system is "configured" to perform one or more operations means that the processing system includes data (which can include instructions) that can be used to perform the specific operations it is "configured" to perform. For example, in the case of a computer (a type of "processing system"), when Microsoft Word is installed on the computer, the computer is "configured" to function as a word processor and uses the instructions of Microsoft Word in combination with other inputs such as an operating system and various peripheral devices (e.g., keyboard, monitor, etc.).

[0046] The foregoing description of one or more embodiments of the innovation has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the innovation to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the innovation and its practical application, to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the innovation in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Only a limited number of embodiments of the innovation have been described in detail, but it is understood that the innovation is not limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. The innovation is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, specific terms have been used for the sake of clarity. It is understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims taken in conjunction therewith.

[0047] [Embodiment] (1) A flow mixer, comprising: a. a first flow passage; b. a second flow passage intersecting the first flow passage at an intersection; c. a combined flow passage in fluid communication with the first flow passage and the second flow passage at the intersection; d. one or more second passage vents in direct fluid communication with the second flow passage. A flow mixer comprising the above. (2) The flow mixer according to Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more second passage vents are disposed adjacent to the intersection. (3) The flow mixer according to Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more second passage vents extend in the upstream direction. (4) The flow mixer according to Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more second passage vents extend in the upstream direction from the intersection. The flow mixer according to embodiment 1, further comprising one or more combined flow path vents in direct fluid communication with the combined flow path.

[0048] The flow mixer according to embodiment 5, wherein the one or more combined flow path vents are disposed adjacent to the intersection. The flow mixer according to embodiment 5, wherein the combined flow path vent extends in the downstream direction. The flow mixer according to embodiment 5, wherein the combined flow path vent extends in the downstream direction from the intersection. The flow mixer according to embodiment 5, wherein the one or more second path vents are in direct fluid communication with the one or more combined flow path vents. The flow mixer according to embodiment 1, wherein the one or more second path vents are in fluid communication with a vent path.

[0049] The flow mixer according to embodiment 10, further comprising one or more combined flow path vents in direct fluid communication with the combined flow path, wherein the combined flow path vent is in fluid communication with the vent path. The flow mixer according to embodiment 10, wherein the vent path includes a vent outlet, and the vent outlet is defined by an outer surface of the flow mixer. The flow mixer according to embodiment 1, wherein the first path includes a first path inlet and a first path cross-sectional area, and the first path cross-sectional area decreases as the first path extends from the first path inlet toward a first path transition stop point. The flow mixer according to embodiment 13, wherein the first path transition stop point is the intersection. The flow mixer according to embodiment 13, wherein the first path cross-sectional area continuously decreases as the first path extends from the first path inlet toward the first path transition stop point.

[0050] (16) The second passage includes a second passage inlet and a second passage cross-sectional area, and the second passage cross-sectional area decreases as the second passage extends from the second passage inlet toward a second passage transition stop point, the flow mixer according to Embodiment 1. (17) The second passage transition stop point is the intersection, the flow mixer according to Embodiment 16. (18) The second passage cross-sectional area continuously decreases as the second passage extends from the second passage inlet toward the second passage transition stop point, the flow mixer according to Embodiment 16. (19) The first passage includes a first passage inlet and a first passage vertical dimension, and the first passage vertical dimension decreases as the first passage extends from the first passage inlet toward a first passage transition stop point, the flow mixer according to Embodiment 1. (20) The second passage includes a second passage inlet and a second passage vertical dimension, and the second passage vertical dimension decreases as the second passage extends from the second passage inlet toward a second passage transition stop point, the flow mixer according to Embodiment 1.

[0051] (21) The second passage includes a second passage inlet and a second passage lateral dimension, and the second passage lateral dimension increases as the second passage extends from the second passage inlet toward a second passage transition stop point, the flow mixer according to Embodiment 1. (22) The combined flow passage includes a combined flow passage outlet and a combined flow passage cross-sectional area, and the combined flow passage cross-sectional area increases as the combined flow passage extends from the intersection toward the combined flow passage outlet, the flow mixer according to Embodiment 1. (23) The combined flow passage cross-sectional area continuously increases as the combined flow passage extends from the intersection toward the combined flow passage outlet, the flow mixer according to Embodiment 22. (24) An assembly, a. The flow mixer according to Embodiment 1, and b. A blast nozzle that is in fluid communication with the combination flow passageway, the blast nozzle, An assembly including. (25) The assembly according to embodiment 24, wherein the blast nozzle is integral with the flow mixer.

[0052] (26) A flow mixer, a. An upper insert including an upper insert channel, b. A central insert including a first central insert channel and a second central insert channel, wherein the first central insert channel and the upper insert channel define a first fluid passageway, the central insert, c. A lower insert including a lower insert channel, wherein the second central insert channel and the lower insert channel define a second fluid passageway that intersects the first flow passageway at an intersection, the lower insert, d. One or more second passage vents formed in the lower insert that are in direct fluid communication with the second flow passageway, A flow mixer including. (27) The flow mixer according to embodiment 26, further including a combination flow passageway that is in fluid communication with the first flow passageway and the second flow passageway at the intersection. (28) The flow mixer according to embodiment 27, further including one or more combination flow passage vents that are in direct fluid communication with the combination flow passageway. (29) Further including a central nozzle insert and a lower nozzle insert, wherein the central nozzle insert includes a central nozzle insert channel, the lower nozzle insert includes a lower nozzle insert channel, and the combination flow passageway is defined by the central nozzle insert channel and the lower nozzle insert channel, the flow mixer according to embodiment 26. (30) The combined flow passage includes a throat, and the combined flow passage includes a converging portion upstream of the throat and a diverging portion downstream of the throat, the flow mixer according to embodiment 29.

[0053] (31) The one or more second passage vents are in fluid communication with a vent passage, the flow mixer according to embodiment 26. (32) The vent passage includes a vent outlet, and the vent outlet is defined by an outer surface of the flow mixer, the flow mixer according to embodiment 31. (33) A method of discharging a stream of entrained particles from a blast nozzle, a. providing a flow of blast fluid; b. providing a flow of entrained particles, the flow of entrained particles including 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 flow of entrained particles from the plurality of particles in the flow of entrained particles, thereby forming a discharge stream including the transport fluid separated from the plurality of particles; d. creating a combined flow by combining the flow of blast fluid with the plurality of particles in the flow of entrained particles; e. flowing the combined flow out of the blast nozzle through the blast nozzle, the discharge stream remaining separated from the combined flow exiting the blast nozzle; comprising a method. (34) The plurality of particles includes cryogenic particles, the method according to embodiment 33. (35) The blast fluid includes a heated fluid, the method according to embodiment 33.

[0054] (36) The step of separating at least a portion of the transport fluid in the flow of entrained particles is performed prior to the step of creating a combined flow, the method according to embodiment 33. The method according to embodiment 33, wherein the step of separating at least a portion of the transport fluid in the flow of the entrained particles is performed after the step of creating the combined flow. (38) A flow mixer, a. A first flow passage, b. A second flow passage intersecting the first flow passage at an intersection, the second passage including a second passage inlet, a second passage vertical dimension, and a second passage lateral dimension, the second passage vertical dimension decreasing as the second passage extends from the second passage inlet toward a second passage transition stop point, and the second passage lateral dimension increasing as the second passage extends from the second passage inlet toward the second passage transition stop point, c. A combined flow passage in fluid communication with the first flow passage and the second flow passage at the intersection, comprising a flow mixer. (39) The flow mixer according to embodiment 38, wherein the vertical dimension of the second passage continuously decreases as the second passage extends from the second passage inlet toward the second passage transition stop point. (40) The flow mixer according to embodiment 38, wherein the lateral dimension of the second passage continuously decreases as the second passage extends from the second passage inlet toward the first passage transition stop point.

[0055] (41) The flow mixer according to embodiment 38, wherein the second passage transition stop point is the intersection. (42) The flow mixer according to embodiment 38, further comprising one or more second passage vents in direct fluid communication with the second flow passage. (43) The flow mixer according to embodiment 38, wherein the first passage includes a first passage inlet and a first passage vertical dimension, and the first passage vertical dimension decreases as the first passage extends from the first passage inlet toward a first passage transition stop point. (44) The flow mixer according to embodiment 43, wherein the vertical dimension of the first passage continuously decreases as the first passage extends from the first passage inlet toward the first passage transition stop point. (45) The flow mixer according to embodiment 43, wherein the first passage transition stop point is the intersection.

[0056] (46) The flow mixer according to embodiment 38, wherein the second flow passage is configured to be connected to the flow of entrained particles, the flow of entrained particles including a transport fluid and a plurality of particles entrained in the transport fluid. (47) The flow mixer according to embodiment 46, wherein the first flow passage is configured to be connected to the flow of blast fluid. (48) The flow mixer according to embodiment 47, wherein the blast fluid includes a heated fluid.

Claims

1. A flow mixer, comprising: a. a first flow passage; b. a second flow passage intersecting the first flow passage at an intersection; c. a combined flow passage in fluid communication with the first flow passage and the second flow passage at the intersection; d. one or more second passage vents in direct fluid communication with the second flow passage. A flow mixer comprising the above.

2. The flow mixer according to claim 1, wherein the one or more second passage vents are disposed adjacent to the intersection.

3. The flow mixer according to claim 1, wherein the one or more second passage vents extend in the upstream direction.

4. The flow mixer according to claim 1, wherein the one or more second passage vents extend upstream from the intersection.

5. The flow mixer according to claim 1, further comprising one or more combined flow passage vents in direct fluid communication with the combined flow passage.

6. The flow mixer according to claim 5, wherein the one or more combined flow passage vents are disposed adjacent to the intersection.

7. The flow mixer according to claim 5, wherein the combined flow passage vent extends in the downstream direction.

8. The flow mixer according to claim 5, wherein the combined flow passage vent extends downstream from the intersection.

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

10. The flow mixer according to claim 1, wherein the one or more second passage vents are in fluid communication with a vent passage.

11. The flow mixer according to claim 10, further comprising one or more combined flow passage vents in direct fluid communication with the combined flow passage, and the combined flow passage vent is in fluid communication with the vent passage.

12. The flow mixer according to claim 10, wherein the vent passage includes a vent outlet, and the vent outlet is defined by an outer surface of the flow mixer.

13. The first passage includes a first passage inlet and a first passage cross-sectional area, and the first passage cross-sectional area decreases as the first passage extends from the first passage inlet toward a first passage transition stop point. The flow mixer according to claim 1.

14. The first passage transition stop point is the intersection, the flow mixer according to claim 13.

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

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

17. The second passage transition stop point is the intersection, the flow mixer according to claim 16.

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

19. The first passage includes a first passage inlet and a first passage vertical dimension, and the first passage vertical dimension decreases as the first passage extends from the first passage inlet toward the first passage transition stop point, the flow mixer according to claim 1.

20. The second passage includes a second passage inlet and a second passage vertical dimension, and the second passage vertical dimension decreases as the second passage extends from the second passage inlet toward the second passage transition stop point, the flow mixer according to claim 1.

21. The second passage includes a second passage inlet and a second passage lateral dimension, and the second passage lateral dimension increases as the second passage extends from the second passage inlet toward the second passage transition stop point, the flow mixer according to claim 1.

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

23. The combined flow passage cross-sectional area continuously increases as the combined flow passage extends from the intersection toward the combined flow passage outlet, the flow mixer according to claim 22.

24. An assembly, a. The flow mixer according to claim 1, and b. A blast nozzle that is in fluid communication with the combined flow passageway, the blast nozzle; An assembly including. **Claim 25** The assembly according to claim 24, wherein the blast nozzle is integral with the flow mixer. **Claim 26** A flow mixer, a. An upper insert including an upper insert channel; b. A central insert including a first central insert channel and a second central insert channel, wherein the first central insert channel and the upper insert channel define a first fluid passageway, the central insert; c. A lower insert including a lower insert channel, wherein the second central insert channel and the lower insert channel define a second fluid passageway that intersects the first flow passageway at an intersection, the lower insert; d. One or more second passage vents formed in the lower insert that are in direct fluid communication with the second flow passageway; A flow mixer including. **Claim 27** The flow mixer according to claim 26, further comprising a combined flow passageway that is in fluid communication with the first flow passageway and the second flow passageway at the intersection. **Claim 28** The flow mixer according to claim 27, further comprising one or more combined flow passageway vents that are in direct fluid communication with the combined flow passageway. **Claim 29** Further comprising a central nozzle insert and a lower nozzle insert, wherein the central nozzle insert includes a central nozzle insert channel, the lower nozzle insert includes a lower nozzle insert channel, and the combined flow passageway is defined by the central nozzle insert channel and the lower nozzle insert channel, the flow mixer according to claim 26. **Claim 30** The flow mixer according to claim 29, wherein the combined flow passageway includes a throat, and the combined flow passageway includes a converging portion upstream of the throat and a diverging portion downstream of the throat. **Claim 31** The flow mixer according to claim 26, wherein the one or more second passage vents are in fluid communication with a vent passageway. **Claim 32** The flow mixer according to claim 31, wherein the vent passageway includes a vent outlet, and the vent outlet is defined by an outer surface of the flow mixer. **Claim 33** A method of discharging a stream of entrained particles from a blast nozzle, comprising: a. providing a flow of blast fluid; b. providing a flow of entrained particles, said flow of entrained particles including a transport fluid and a plurality of particles entrained in said transport fluid; c. separating at least a portion of said transport fluid in said flow of entrained particles from said plurality of particles in said flow of entrained particles, thereby forming a discharge stream including said transport fluid separated from said plurality of particles; d. creating a combined flow by combining said flow of blast fluid with said plurality of particles in said flow of entrained particles; e. flowing said combined flow out of said blast nozzle and outside of said blast nozzle, said discharge stream remaining separated from said combined flow exiting said blast nozzle. A method as described above. **Claim 34** The method according to claim 33, wherein said plurality of particles include cryogenic particles. **Claim 35** The method according to claim 33, wherein said blast fluid includes a heated fluid. **Claim 36** The method according to claim 33, wherein the step of separating at least a portion of said transport fluid in said flow of entrained particles is performed prior to the step of creating a combined flow. **Claim 37** The method according to claim 33, wherein the step of separating at least a portion of said transport fluid in said flow of entrained particles is performed after the step of creating a combined flow. **Claim 38** A flow mixer, comprising: a. a first flow passage; b. a second flow passage intersecting said first flow passage at an intersection, said second passage including a second passage inlet, a second passage vertical dimension, and a second passage lateral dimension, wherein said second passage vertical dimension decreases as said second passage extends from said second passage inlet toward a second passage transition stop point, and said second passage lateral dimension increases as said second passage extends from said second passage inlet toward said second passage transition stop point; c. a combined flow passage in fluid communication with said first flow passage and said second flow passage at said intersection. A flow mixer as described above. **Claim 39** The flow mixer according to claim 38, wherein said vertical dimension of said second passage continuously decreases as said second passage extends from said second passage inlet toward said second passage transition stop point.

40. The flow mixer according to claim 38, wherein the transverse dimension of the second passage continuously decreases as the second passage extends from the second passage inlet toward the first passage transition stop point.

41. The flow mixer according to claim 38, wherein the second passage transition stop point is the intersection.

42. The flow mixer according to claim 38, further comprising one or more second passage vents in direct fluid communication with the second flow passage.

43. The first passage includes a first passage inlet and a first passage vertical dimension, and the first passage vertical dimension decreases as the first passage extends from the first passage inlet toward the first passage transition stop point. The flow mixer according to claim 38.

44. The flow mixer according to claim 43, wherein the vertical dimension of the first passage continuously decreases as the first passage extends from the first passage inlet toward the first passage transition stop point.

45. The flow mixer according to claim 43, wherein the first passage transition stop point is the intersection.

46. The second flow passage is configured to be connected to a flow of entrained particles, and the flow of entrained particles includes a transport fluid and a plurality of particles entrained in the transport fluid. The flow mixer according to claim 38.

47. The flow mixer according to claim 46, wherein the first flow passage is configured to be connected to a flow of blast fluid.

48. The flow mixer according to claim 47, wherein the blast fluid includes a heated fluid.

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