Additive Mixing via Vacuum Vortex and Sealed Helical Conveyor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to effectively handle problematic additive materials due to their physical characteristics, leading to issues like dust generation, contamination, clogging, and moisture sensitivity, particularly in the blending of polymers and silica sand, which pose safety and handling challenges.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical mixing container system with a linear actuator and additive supply unit that introduces additives into a pressurized fluid flow line, using a vacuum and vortex to ensure smooth blending without contamination, and precise control over energy and delivery rate, eliminating the need for mechanical transport and preventing moisture exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If dry additives are conveyed through atmospheric exposure, then material can be delivered to blending device, but dust generation and contamination occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditive deliveryVSAvoiddust generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a sealed conveying mechanism that maintains an inert or controlled atmosphere throughout the additive delivery path, from bulk storage through the helical conveyor to the blending device. This prevents atmospheric exposure that would generate dust, while still enabling continuous material transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical conveying systems (augers, pumps) with a helical conveyor mechanism operating within a sealed environment. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical contact with atmosphere during conveyance, preventing dust generation while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If additive supply unit remains in mixing container during inactivity, then rapid resumption of blending is possible, but moisture contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblending resumption speedVSAvoidmoisture contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary isolation of the additive supply unit from the mixing container before inactivity periods begin. The quick-disconnect mechanism allows the supply unit to be withdrawn and sealed in advance, preventing moisture contamination while enabling rapid resumption when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a sealed interface or intermediary mechanism between the additive supply unit and mixing container. This intermediary allows for quick connection and disconnection while maintaining sealing, enabling the supply unit to be isolated during inactivity and rapidly reconnected for blending resumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If mechanical transport mechanisms are used for additive conveyance, then material can be moved to blending device, but clogging and handling difficulties occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial conveyanceVSAvoidclogging prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical transport mechanisms (augers, pumps) with a helical conveyor system operating in a sealed environment. This substitution eliminates clogging issues associated with mechanical contact and handling, while maintaining ease of material conveyance through the sealed system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables continuous, contamination-free introduction of additives into a fluid flow stream, preventing clogging and maintaining product flow, even during periods of inactivity, while ensuring precise control over the blending process and reducing health and safety hazards.

Implementation Method 1

a linear actuator coupled to the additive supply unit and adapted to withdraw the additive supply unit from the cylindrical mixing container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

A vacuum is drawn on the cylindrical mixing container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 3

using a vacuum and vortex to ensure smooth blending without contamination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentUS9795939B2Apparatus for mixing and blending of an additive material into a fluid and method

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 HAMMONDS TECHN SERVICES

AI summary

Apparatus and method in which a solid or liquid additive is dispensed within a mixing chamber for mixing with a fluid from the pressurized fluid flow line and is effective mixed in a vortex under vacuum while precluding contamination of the unused additive.