Hydrodynamic Cavitation Mixer for Additive-Free Emulsions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emulsion production methods require additives and chemicals to achieve stability, and hydrodynamic cavitation is difficult to control and inefficient in mixing fluids.
Innovation Solution
A mixer design utilizing hydrodynamic cavitation with a housing and spindle configuration that includes a cylindrical and conical frustum shape, allowing for the efficient mixing and emulsification of immiscible fluids without additives, using a spindle fixed within the housing to create stable emulsions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional emulsion production methods are used, then emulsions can be produced, but additives and chemicals are required to achieve stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additives and chemicals by using purely hydrodynamic cavitation mechanisms. The mixing process relies solely on the physical interaction between the spindle and housing geometry, creating vacuum zones that draw in air and form stable emulsions without any chemical stabilizers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is self-sufficient, using the fluid flow itself to generate the mixing action. The hydrodynamic cavitation process automatically creates the necessary vacuum zones and mixing conditions through the geometry of the spindle and housing, without requiring external additives or chemical agents.
2Productivity
If hydrodynamic cavitation is used for mixing, then emulsions can be formed, but the process is difficult to control and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different geometric qualities to different parts of the mixing chamber. The spindle has a conical frustum shape with specific radius ratios (r1/r2 between 0.2-0.5), and the housing has corresponding cylindrical and conical sections with matched dimensions. This localized geometric optimization creates controlled vacuum zones that improve mixing efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through predictable flow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The design optimizes key geometric parameters including the radius ratios of the spindle (r1/r2 between 0.2-0.5), the length ratios of spindle sections, and the dimensional relationships between spindle and housing. These parameter optimizations ensure efficient hydrodynamic cavitation while maintaining controllable and predictable mixing behavior.
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional mixing devices are used, then fluids can be mixed, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical mixing systems (motors, shafts, impellers) with a purely hydrodynamic system. The mixing action is generated by the fluid flow itself interacting with the optimized geometry of the spindle and housing, eliminating the need for external mechanical power sources and significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective mixing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Produces stable emulsions without additives, achieving complete homogeneity in a single pass, reducing energy consumption, and ensuring long-term stability up to 12 months, with applications in various industries.
Implementation Method 1
A mixer for one or more fluids that uses hydrodynamic cavitation
Data Source
AI summary
A mixer for fluid is described. The mixer comprises a housing. The housing comprises an inlet and an outlet, wherein the housing further comprises first and second portions, the first portion being of a substantially cylindrical internal shape of constant radius R1, and the second portion being of a substantially conical frustum internal shape of varying radius between R1 and R2, wherein R1<R2. A spindle is rigidly fixed within the housing, and comprises first and second portions, the first portion being of a substantially conical frustum shape of varying radius between r1 and r2, where r1<r2, and the second portion being of a substantially cylindrical shape of radius r2. At least part the first portion of the spindle is housed within the first portion of the housing, and at least part of the second portion of the spindle is housed within the second portion of the housing.