Agitation Baffle Design for Vortex Elimination in Glass-Lined Reactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agitation technologies in glass-lined reactors face limitations in achieving effective fluid mixing due to high energy dissipation and vortex formation, which are not practical for all types of reactors, especially those with four flat sidewall baffles.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a unique design featuring an agitation chamber equipped with a motor-driven impeller and a plurality of sharp-edge baffles with varying widths and triangular cross-sections, placed on the sidewalls of the chamber, which enhance mixing rates and facilitate uniform temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If four flat sidewall baffles are used to achieve complete vortex elimination, then baffle effectiveness is maximized, but the design is not practical for glass-lined reactors and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of multiple baffles (vortex elimination) and implements it through a single baffle with optimized geometry. The single baffle is positioned and dimensioned to create the necessary flow disruption and vortex suppression that would traditionally require four baffles, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The single baffle design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a vortex eliminator, a flow distributor, and a structural support element. By consolidating the functions of four separate baffles into one multi-functional component, the patent achieves complete vortex elimination while reducing device complexity and making the design practical for glass-lined reactors.
2Productivity
If Concave Baffle is used to maximize drag coefficient, then power investment and energy dissipation increase, but top-to-bottom turnover within the vessel improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the baffle (position, width, angle) to optimize the balance between drag coefficient and turnover efficiency. Instead of using a concave baffle with high drag, the invention uses a single baffle with specific dimensional parameters that generate sufficient turbulence and vertical flow without excessive energy consumption, achieving productivity improvement with reduced power investment.
3Ease of manufacture
If glass-lined vessels have one baffle supported from top head nozzle, then installation is simplified, but vortex elimination effectiveness is reduced compared to four sidewall baffles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric baffle positioning and geometry to achieve effective vortex elimination with a single baffle. The baffle is positioned at a specific angle and location on the sidewall, creating asymmetric flow patterns that disrupt vortices effectively. This asymmetric design maintains installation simplicity while improving vortex reduction reliability compared to traditional single baffles.
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
The apparatus achieves efficient fluid mixing and rapid heat transfer by creating high turbulence and uniform temperature gradients, suitable for various reactor types, including glass-lined vessels, while reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus achieves efficient fluid mixing and rapid heat transfer by creating high turbulence
Implementation Method 2
an impeller configured to have a motor, a shaft and blades
Implementation Method 3
The premise behind the Concave Baffle is to maximize the drag coefficient of the baffle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for agitation of fluids is described that comprises an agitation chamber, an impeller configured to have a motor, a shaft, and blades, and a plurality of baffles. Further, the plurality of baffles have a predetermined shape and configuration. Further, the plurality of baffles are placed on a side wall of the agitation chamber.