Mixing tank configuration and mixing method

Abstract

The mixing tank arrangement comprises a tank (102) having at least one feed inlet (106, 106) for feeding a first material and a second material therein. The mixing tank arrangement further comprises a recirculation system having a first inlet (110) and a first outlet (112) for recirculating and mixing the materials in the tank. The first inlet (110) comprises a body pipe (116) on a first side (FS) of the tank, the body pipe having a plurality of feed pipes (118) extending to a second side (SS) of the tank, the feed pipes being configured to eject the material from the second side to the first side of the tank such that the material strikes a wall of the tank on the first side, the curved shape of the curved wall being configured to split the material into at least two streams that flow along the curved shape of the curved wall to the second side of the tank and impinge.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mixing tank configurations, in particular mixing tank configurations based on jet mixing. [Background technology]

[0002] Mixing tank configurations based on jet mixing are widely used in the process industry for mixing two or more materials together in a tank. There are several solutions available on the market for mixing two or more materials together in a tank by jets. The known mixing tank solutions still have many drawbacks in terms of efficiency, which is very important especially in the process industry. Therefore, there is a need for a more sophisticated jet-based mixing tank configuration for mixing two or more materials together in a tank. U.S. Publication No. 2012 / 0276628 discloses a method for processing adipose tissue to recover adipose-derived regenerative cells, the method comprising the steps of: providing a container including a fluid jet mixer; introducing adipose tissue into the container; introducing a buffer solution into the container; washing the adipose tissue using the fluid jet mixer; introducing an enzyme solution into the container; using the fluid jet mixer to initiate jet mixing in the container containing the adipose tissue, the enzyme solution, and the buffer solution to digest the adipose tissue to form a digestion product; phase-separating the digestion product into a digested, buoyant fat layer and a non-buoyant aqueous layer; and recovering the non-buoyant aqueous layer containing the adipose-derived regenerative cells. A system for processing adipose tissue to recover adipose-derived regenerative cells is also provided. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The invention is defined by the subject matter of the independent claims. Embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0004] To the extent that there are embodiments and features described herein that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims, they are to be construed as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the present invention.

[0005] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a mixing tank configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mixing tank configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a mixing tank configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mixing tank configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 shows a flowchart of a method of using a mixing tank configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The following embodiments are illustrative. Although this specification refers to "one embodiment," "one embodiment," or "some embodiment(s)" in several places throughout the text, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is to the same embodiment(s) or that a particular feature applies only to a single embodiment. Also, single features of different embodiments may be combined to produce other embodiments.

[0008] There are several different types of mixing tank solutions available on the market for the process industry. However, known mixing tanks have many drawbacks. One drawback is mixing efficiency, and another is tank cleaning. Tank cleaning is particularly relevant when combining liquid and solid materials together. Solid materials can accumulate and form clumps, which can become obstructions and affect mixing efficiency. Therefore, there is a need for a mixing tank configuration that can provide efficient mixing, as well as a solution to avoid problems related to buildup in the tank.

[0009] According to one aspect, a mixing tank configuration is provided, the mixing tank configuration comprising: a tank having a curved wall and at least one supply inlet for supplying at least a first material and a second material therein, the at least one supply inlet being connected to a supply system for controlling the supply of the at least first material and the second material into the tank; and a recirculation system having a first inlet and a first outlet for recirculating and mixing the first material and the second material in the tank, wherein the first inlet comprises a body pipe on a first side of the tank having a plurality of supply pipes extending to a second side of the tank substantially opposite the first side, the supply pipes being configured to spray the at least first material and the second material from the second side to the first side of the tank such that the first material and the second material hit a wall of the tank on the first side, and the curved shape of the curved wall is configured to split the at least first material and the second material into at least two streams that flow along the curved shape of the curved wall to the second side of the tank and collide.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first material is a solid. It may, for example, comprise ash. In one embodiment, the second material is a liquid. It may, for example, comprise water. The mixing arrangement according to the invention can be used to mix two or more (first and second) materials together. The term "material" as used hereinafter in this application refers to all materials fed into the tank for mixing.

[0011] Reference is made to Figure 1, which illustrates a mixing tank configuration. Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tank, allowing the internal components and parts to be seen. The mixing tank configuration 100 includes a cylindrical tank 102, which includes two end walls FE, SE and a curved surface CS between the end walls. The curved surface refers to the curved (side) wall of the tank. In one embodiment, the width cross-section of the tank is substantially circular. The width direction refers to a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cross-section can also be elliptical.

[0012] In an embodiment, the tank is a horizontal tank, in other words, the tank is configured to be used in a horizontal (sideways) position to obtain a desired flow of material within the tank, as shown, for example, in FIG.

[0013] In another embodiment, the tank is a vertical tank. Nevertheless, although the examples and embodiments of the present application are shown with horizontal tanks, the present invention can still be applied to vertical tanks.

[0014] The tank may have at least a first inlet 104 used to supply at least a first material and a second material to be mixed into the tank. The first inlet is coupled to a supply system for controlling the supply of at least the first material and the second material into the tank via the first and second inlets. The supply system is not part of the present invention but is used to control the supply of materials via the inlets. The supply system is not shown in the drawings. The supply system may, for example, comprise a control device connected to a power source that applies a supply pressure to a supply pipe connected to at least the first inlet. Solutions of this type are well known in the prior art and are considered obvious to those skilled in the art, so they will not be described in further detail in the present application.

[0015] The mixing tank configuration includes a recirculation system 108 having a first inlet 110 and a first outlet 112 configured to recirculate at least a first material and a second material within the tank 102. Mixing of the at least a first material and a second material supplied to the tank 102 is achieved by recirculation. The materials to be mixed are recirculated such that the materials exit the tank through the first outlet and are supplied back to the tank through the first inlet. The recirculation system generates a material flow within the tank that causes mixing of the materials supplied into the tank. The recirculation system may further include a power source 114, such as a pump, for providing a driving force to the system. The power source is used to generate a desired pressure for the recirculation of the materials. The recirculation system may be connected to a controller or may include a controller for controlling the operation of the recirculation system.

[0016] The first inlet 110 of the recirculation system 108 includes a main pipe 116 having multiple supply pipes 118. The main pipe 116 is a main pipe used to supply recycled material to the supply pipe 116, which supplies material to the tank 102. The supply pipe is a branch of the main pipe and is open at the other end. The recycled material is supplied to the tank through the open end. The main pipe 116 is located on a first side FS of the tank 102. As shown in FIG. 2, when the tank is in a horizontal position, the first side can be the upper side of the tank. The main pipe can be near the wall of the tank. In other words, the main pipe can be near the wall on the first side of the tank. There is a gap between the wall and the main pipe, allowing material to flow between the main pipe and the wall. The supply pipe 118 extends from the main pipe 116 to a second side SS of the tank 102, and the end of the supply pipe can be near the wall of the tank on the second side. In other words, the supply pipe can extend near the wall on the second side of the tank, with a gap between the wall and the end of the main pipe, allowing material to flow between the supply pipe and the wall. As shown in FIG. 2, when the tank is in a horizontal position, the second side can be the underside (bottom) of the tank. The diameter of the main pipe is larger than the diameter of the supply pipe to obtain adequate pressure. The diameters of the individual supply pipes can vary in a recirculation system; in other words, the diameters of all supply pipes are not necessarily the same.

[0017] The supply pressure can be adjusted as needed. The pressure is configured to at least allow ejection of material from the second side of the tank to the first side, where the material adequately impacts the wall, causing mixing of the material, and causing flow back to the second side of the tank. The first side and the second side can be opposite sides of the tank.

[0018] In one embodiment, the pressure within the main body pipe and / or supply pipe forces the second material, which may be a liquid such as water, into the first material, which may be a solid such as ash, in a recirculation process, causing the solid-liquid combination to break down when pumped outside the pipe where the pressure is lower than inside the pipe.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second side of the tank is opposite the first side of the tank.

[0020] The main pipe extends from the first end FE of the tank 12 toward the second end SE of the tank 102. Thus, the main pipe can extend in the longitudinal direction of the tank. A first inlet can be positioned at the first end of the tank. The main pipe can be coupled to this inlet and thus also coupled to the first end of the tank. The main pipe does not necessarily contact the second end. As mentioned above, the main pipe can be on the first side of the tank, and the supply pipe can extend from the main pipe toward the second side of the tank. The main pipe and / or the supply pipe can further comprise a fastening element used to secure the pipe to the tank.

[0021] The main pipe may have multiple supply pipes running continuously along the length of the tank. Figure 1 shows four supply pipes 118 running continuously along the length of the tank 102. In addition, there may be multiple supply pipes side-by-side across the width of the tank. Figure 2 shows three supply pipes 118 adjacent to each other across the width of the tank 102. The number of supply pipes may vary as needed.

[0022] The mixing tank configuration is designed to impart rotational and impinging flow to the material within the tank. This motion has an abrasive effect on the material, grinding the material particles into smaller particles. This also increases the temperature of the material. This motion allows for very efficient mixing of the material and can also cause chemical reactions to occur within the tank.

[0023] Refer to FIG. 2, which is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tank width. FIG. 2 shows a main pipe 116 on a first side FS of the tank 102 with three supply pipes 118 arranged side-by-side across the tank width. As mentioned above, there can be multiple supply pipes running continuously along the length of the tank, but these are not visible in FIG. 2. The supply pipes 118 extend from the main pipe 116 toward a second portion of the tank. The supply pipes 118 eject material from the second side SS of the tank 102 to the first side FS, where the material strikes the wall of the first side FS of the tank. That is, the supply pipes are configured to eject material to the opposite side of the tank. The material begins to mix upon impact with and / or contact with the wall on the first side of the tank. Arrows indicate the flow of material within the tank. When the ejected material contacts the wall on the first side of the tank, the wall splits the material into at least two distinct streams, and the material follows the shape of the wall and flows back to the second side of the tank. As mentioned above, the tank wall can be curved, and the two streams return to the second side along the curved shape of the curved wall. The curved wall also splits the injected material into two separate streams, as shown in Figure 2. The curved wall refers to the side wall of the tank, which has a substantially cylindrical shape. The streams collide on the second side of the tank, causing abrasive effects on the material particles and increasing the material temperature. This allows for effective mixing of the material. This effect occurs in two main steps. The first step is when the material collides with the wall on the first side of the tank. The second step is when the material flow reverses and collides with the second side of the tank after colliding with the wall. The cylindrical shape of the tank makes this effect possible. As shown in Figure 2, the tank has a substantially circular cross section. The main pipe is located on the upper side of the tank, and the supply pipe extends from the upper side to the lower side of the tank. The supply pipe is positioned so that the material can be injected from the lower side to the upper side of the tank. As shown in Figure 2, the material hits the curved wall at the top (upper) side of the tank, and the curved shape of the wall splits the material into two streams. The two streams of material return along the curved outer wall to the lower side, where they collide.

[0024] In one embodiment, the mixing tank configuration includes at least a first inlet 104 for feeding a first material into the tank 102 and a second inlet 106 for feeding a second material into the tank 102. The first inlet can be used to feed a solid material, such as ash, into the tank. The second inlet can be used to feed a liquid, such as water, into the tank.

[0025] 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the supply pipe 118 includes a nozzle 120 for obtaining a desired jet of material within the tank. The nozzle 120 can be provided at an open end of the supply pipe on the second side SS of the tank 102. The nozzle can extend across the width and / or length of the tank. In FIG. 1, the nozzle extends across the length, and in FIG. 2, the nozzle extends across the width of the tank. The nozzle is removably coupled to the supply pipe and can be replaced. The type of nozzle can be selected depending on the desired jet. The type of nozzle can affect, for example, the supply pressure.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first side FS of the tank 12 refers to the top of the tank when the tank is in a horizontal position, for example as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In other words, the top is the portion of the tank that is substantially above the centerline of the tank in the longitudinal direction, which is shown by the dashed line in Figure 1.

[0027] In one embodiment, the second side SS of the tank 102 refers to the bottom of the tank when the tank is in a horizontal position, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In other words, the bottom is the portion of the tank that is substantially below the centerline of the tank.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first inlet 104 is located at the top of the tank 102. The first inlet 104 can be located on the curved surface CF or the end walls FE, SE. Preferably, the first inlet is located at the top of the curved surface of the tank, as shown in FIG. 1, for example. The top of the tank refers to the portion substantially above the centerline of the tank. The first inlet can be located above the material line in the tank. The material line refers to the surface level of the material in the tank when the tank is properly filled. For example, the tank can be two-thirds full and one-third empty. This one-third is clearly the top of the tank, where the inlet(s) are located. This has many advantages, for example, when solids are being fed into the tank, the solids do not come into contact with the liquid and accumulate in the opening.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first feed inlet is located at the top of the tank, close to the centerline of the vessel. In other words, the first feed inlet is located substantially in the center of the tank's width. Referring to FIG. 3, a top view of the second end SE of the tank 102 is shown, along with a portion of the curved surface CS, with the first feed inlet 104 located near the centerline (dashed line). In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the first feed inlet 104 is located substantially in the center of the centerline of the tank 102. This is the optimal location from the perspective of material supply. The distance from the first feed inlet to the bottom of the tank is long, so most of the material supplied to the tank through the feed inlet has time to mix with other materials as it is recirculated by the recirculation system.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first supply opening is at the top of the curved surface CS and near the second end SE of the tank.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the main pipe 116 is offset from the centerline of the tank. In other words, the main pipe 116 is not in the same line as the first supply inlet 104, for example, when viewing the tank from the second end. As a result, material supplied from the first supply inlet does not encounter the relatively wide main pipe, allowing the material to flow unobstructed toward the bottom of the tank. In one embodiment, all other pipes in the tank are positioned so as not to impede the flow of material through the first supply inlet toward the bottom of the tank. In other words, there may be no pipes or other obstructions in the supply line of material from the first supply inlet.

[0032] In one embodiment, the second inlet is located at the top of the tank. The second inlet can be located on the curved surface or on an end wall. Preferably, the second inlet is located at the top of the curved surface of the tank, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the second inlet, like the first inlet, is located at the top of the tank and proximate to the centerline of the tank. This is shown in FIG. 3.

[0033] In one embodiment, the second supply port comprises at least one injection pipe configured to supply the second material to the tank. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tank from an end view so that the injection pipe is visible. Referring to Figure 4, the injection pipe 400 extends into the tank and has an injection hole(s) for injecting the material. The injection pipe 400 may have injection holes at both ends of the pipe. The injection pipe 400 may extend widthwise within the tank 102.

[0034] 4, in one embodiment, the injection pipe 400 of the second supply port 104 has a semicircular arc shape. The injection pipe can be connected to the second supply port substantially from the middle of the pipe. As a result, the injection pipe can extend substantially equally in both directions from the second supply port. The shape of the pipe substantially follows the circular shape of the tank, allowing the pipe to extend along the curved surface of the tank. Both ends of the injection pipe can extend to the center of the tank.

[0035] In one embodiment, the injection pipe of the second inlet has multiple holes for dispensing material. In addition to the holes at the ends of the injection pipe, the pipe can have one or more injection holes in the body of the pipe. The body is the curved surface between the ends of the pipe.

[0036] In one embodiment, the injection pipe is used to oxidize the contents of the tank.

[0037] In one embodiment, the mixing tank configuration further includes a first flushing pipe extending from the main pipe and configured to spray material toward the first supply inlet. Referring to FIG. 1 , the main pipe 116 can further include a first flushing pipe 124 configured to spray material toward the first supply inlet 104. The sprayed material cleanses the first supply inlet, thus preventing blockage of the inlet by the material being supplied to the tank through this supply inlet. For example, if the first material being supplied through the first supply inlet is ash and the second material is a liquid, the ash can easily accumulate when it comes into contact with the liquid. The accumulation of ash can at least partially obstruct the flow of material through the first supply inlet and disrupt the entire mixing process. The first flushing pipe cleans the first supply inlet as the material is recirculated by the recirculation system, thereby enabling the flow of material into the tank.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first cleaning pipe is provided with an actuator for controlling the ejection of material. The actuator is configured to open and close the first cleaning pipe, allowing the ejection of material only when necessary. Cleaning is not always necessary when materials are recirculated and mixed. When the first supply port needs to be cleaned, the actuator opens the first cleaning pipe, which ejects material toward the supply port. When the first supply port is clean, the actuator closes the first cleaning pipe, and the ejection of material stops. The actuator allows the use of the first cleaning pipe to be controlled and used only when necessary.

[0039] 1 , in one embodiment, the mixing tank configuration 100 further includes a second flushing pipe 126 extending from the main pipe 116 toward the second side SS of the tank, the second flushing pipe 126 configured to spray material toward an area of ​​the tank 102, i.e., the area where the first material is supplied from the first supply inlet 104. If the material supplied into the tank from the first supply inlet is solid, the material may accumulate in a location or area within the tank.

[0040] In one embodiment, the second flushing pipe comprises an actuator for controlling the ejection of material. The structure and function of the actuator used with the second flushing pipe may be the same as the actuator used with the first flushing pipe described above.

[0041] In one embodiment, the region of the tank where the first material is supplied through the first inlet is substantially opposite the first inlet. For example, if the first inlet is located at the top of the tank as described above, the material supplied to the tank through the first inlet may accumulate on the bottom of the tank in the region opposite the inlet. The second flushing pipe 126 is configured to spray the recirculated material into this region, preventing the material from accumulating within the tank. The second flushing pipe thus keeps the tank clean. Material accumulation can affect the mixing efficiency of the tank and potentially clog the pipes in the recirculation system.

[0042] Referring to Figure 5, Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method for mixing materials in a mixing tank according to one embodiment. The method includes: A supply system supplies at least a first material and a second material to a mixing tank via at least one supply port [step 500]; a recirculation system recirculating at least a first material and a second material in a mixing tank to mix the at least first material and the second material [step 502]; Including, The recirculation system includes a first inlet on a first side of the tank including a main pipe having a plurality of supply pipes extending to a second side of the tank substantially opposite the first side, the supply pipes configured to spray at least a first material and a second material from the second side of the tank to the first side such that the first material and the second material collide with a wall of the tank on the first side, and the curved shape of the curved wall configured to split the at least first material and the second material into at least two streams that flow along the curved shape of the curved wall to the second side of the tank and collide.

[0043] In another embodiment, a method for mixing materials in a mixing tank configuration includes: a feeding system feeding a first predetermined amount of a second material into the mixing tank through a second feeding inlet; a feeding system feeding a first predetermined amount of the first material into the mixing tank through the first feeding inlet; a recirculation system starting recirculation of the first material and the second material within the tank; a feeding system simultaneously feeding additional first material and second material into the mixing tank through the first feeding inlet and the second feeding inlet during recirculation; a feeding system stopping feeding of the first material into the mixing tank; and a feeding system feeding the second material into the mixing tank through the second feeding inlet for a predetermined time after stopping feeding of the first material.

[0044] In the first step of the mixing process, a predetermined amount of a second material is fed into the tank through a second feed inlet. The second material can be water. After the water is added to the tank, a predetermined amount of a first material is fed into the tank through a first feed inlet. The first material can be ash. After the materials are added to the tank, a recirculation system begins recirculating the materials in the mixing tank. Recirculation and mixing may have already begun when the predetermined amount of the first material and / or second material is fed into the tank. The water and ash feed continues simultaneously during recirculation and mixing. When the desired amount of ash is in the tank, the feed system stops feeding the ash. The water feed continues for a predetermined time after the ash feed is stopped. The recirculation and mixing continues until the desired mixture of ash and water is achieved.

[0045] The following example illustrates how the present invention can be used to mix two or more materials. A first feed inlet is used to feed a first material into the tank. The first material can be a solid, such as ash. A second feed inlet is used to add a second material to the tank. The second material can be a liquid, such as water. The feed of the first and second materials is controlled by a feed system. The mixing tank's circulation system includes at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and a power source, such as a pump, to generate the circulation of the materials. The feed system can first feed a first predetermined amount of water into the tank, followed by a first predetermined amount of ash. It is important to feed the water into the tank before the ash. A recirculation system begins recirculating the added ash and water. During recirculation, more water and ash are fed into the tank until the desired amount of ash and water is in the mixing tank. The feed system then stops feeding ash and continues feeding water for a predetermined period of time. The desired mixture of ash and water is then present in the tank. The recirculation process can continue even after the feed of materials is stopped.

[0046] The ash and water supplied to the tank are recirculated, with a pump sucking in the ash and water through the outlet and returning them to the tank through the inlet. The inlet comprises a main pipe with multiple supply pipes with nozzles. The configuration of the supply pipes and the shape of the tank create a rotational movement of the ash and water material flow, causing the material flows to collide within the tank. The collisions cause the ash and water to mix. In addition, the collisions cause wear on the material particles, further generating chemical reactions. The wear on the particles due to the collisions also causes an increase in the temperature of the material. In addition, the wash pipes in this configuration prevent material accumulation in the tank, so the mixing process is highly efficient without unnecessary stoppages.

[0047] The present invention will be described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments according to the accompanying drawings, but it is clear that the present invention is not limited thereto and that several modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. All words and expressions should be interpreted broadly and are intended to illustrate, not limit, the exemplary embodiments. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that with the advancement of technology, the concept of the present invention can be implemented in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 100 Mixing Tank Configuration 102 Tank 104 First supply port 106 Second supply port 108 Recirculation System 110 First Entrance 112 Exit 1 114 Pump 116 Main pipe 118 Supply Pipe 120 nozzles 124 First Cleaning Pipe 126 Second Cleaning Pipe FS 1st side SS Second Side

Claims

1. A mixing tank arrangement (100) comprising: a horizontal tank (102) having a first end (FE), a second end (SE), and a curved sidewall (CS) between the first end and the second end, the tank (102) comprising at least one supply inlet (104) for supplying at least a first material and a second material into the tank (102), the at least one supply inlet (104) being coupled to a supply system for controlling the supply of at least the first material and the second material to the tank (102); a recirculation system (108) having a first inlet (110) and a first outlet (112) for recirculating and mixing the first material and the second material in the tank (102); Preparation, the first inlet (110) comprises a main pipe (116) in the upper side (FS) of the tank extending in the longitudinal direction of the tank (102), the main pipe (116) having a plurality of supply pipes (118) extending to the lower side (SS) of the tank and configured to spray at least the first material and the second material into the upper side (FS) of the tank; a recirculation system (108) configured to supply pressure to eject at least the first material and the second material from the lower side (SS) of the tank to the upper side (FS) through the supply pipe (118) so that the first material and the second material hit the curved side wall (CS) of the tank in the upper side (FS), and a curved shape of the curved side wall (CS) in the upper side (FS) configured to split at least the first material and the second material into at least two streams that flow along the curved shape of the curved side wall (CS) to the lower side (SS) of the tank on opposite sides of the tank (102) and collide within the lower side (SS) of the tank.

2. 2. The mixing tank configuration (100) of claim 1, wherein the mixing tank configuration (100) comprises at least a first supply inlet (104) for supplying the first material to the tank (102) and a second supply inlet (106) for supplying the second material to the tank (102).

3. 10. The mixing tank configuration (100) of claim 1, wherein the end of the supply pipe (118) extending to the underside (SS) of the tank is provided with a removable nozzle (120) configured to deliver a desired material jet.

4. The mixing tank configuration (100) of claim 2, wherein the first supply port (104) is at an upper portion of the tank (102).

5. The mixing tank configuration (100) of claim 2, wherein the first feed opening (104) is at a centerline of the tank (102).

6. The mixing tank configuration (100) of claim 1, wherein the body pipe (116) is offset from a centerline of the tank (102).

7. The mixing tank configuration (100) of claim 2, wherein the second supply port (106) is at an upper portion of the tank (102).

8. 3. The mixing tank configuration (100) of claim 2, wherein the second supply port (106) comprises at least one injection pipe (400) configured to inject the second material into the tank (102).

9. 3. The mixing tank configuration (100) of claim 2, further comprising a first flushing pipe (124) extending from the main pipe (116) and configured to spray material toward the first supply port (104).

10. 10. The mixing tank arrangement (100) of claim 9, wherein the first flushing pipe (124) comprises an actuator for controlling the ejection of material.

11. 3. The mixing tank configuration (100) of claim 2, further comprising a second flushing pipe (126) extending from the main pipe (116) and configured to spray material toward an area of ​​the tank (102) to which the first material is supplied via the first supply port (104).

12. 12. The mixing tank configuration (100) of claim 11, wherein the region of the tank (102) to which the first supply inlet (104) supplies the first material is on an opposite side of the tank (102) from the first supply inlet (104).

13. 1. A method of mixing materials in a mixing tank, comprising: Supplying (500) at least a first material and a second material to a horizontal tank via at least one supply inlet by a supply system; recirculating (502) at least the first material and the second material within the tank by a recirculation system to mix at least the first material and the second material; Including, the recirculation system includes a first inlet within an upper side of the tank, the first inlet including a body pipe extending between a first end and a second end of the tank, with a plurality of supply pipes extending to a lower side of the tank, the supply pipes being configured to spray at least the first material and the second material onto the upper side of the tank; the recirculation system is configured to supply pressure to eject at least the first material and the second material from the lower side to the upper side of the tank through the supply pipe so that at least the first material and the second material hit a curved side wall of the tank within the upper side, and the curved shape of the curved side wall within the upper side is configured to split at least the first material and the second material into at least two streams that flow along the curved shape of the curved side wall to the lower side of the tank on opposite sides of the tank and collide at the lower side of the tank.

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