Agitator with V-Shaped Nozzles for Slurry Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agitators for liquids containing solids, such as liquid manure, face challenges with unsatisfactory mixing results due to inadequate flow control, channel restrictions, and the formation of crusty layers, leading to increased operational difficulties and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

An agitator design featuring a drive for an agitator shaft with an impeller housed in a snail shell-like structure, equipped with adjustable V-shaped outflow nozzles that can be aligned between 10° and 70° relative to the suction direction, optimizing flow velocity and reducing turbulence, allowing for efficient stirring and pumping of liquids with solids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional PTO mixers are used, then mixing can be performed in liquid manure containers, but unsatisfactory mixing results are achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing effectivenessVSAvoidmixing quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is equipped with multiple outflow nozzles positioned at different locations and angles to create localized high-velocity jets in different regions of the liquid, ensuring thorough mixing throughout the entire volume rather than just in one area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The outflow nozzles are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration with different angles (10° to 70° to the suction direction) and positions, creating multi-directional flow patterns that enhance mixing effectiveness in all spatial dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If column mixers are used in channels, then portable stirring is enabled, but strong thickening and hardening occur in the channels and free movement is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidmovement freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing function is segmented into multiple independent outflow nozzles that can be positioned at different angles, allowing the agitator to adapt to different channel configurations and maintain freedom of movement while effectively breaking up crusts and thickened layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The snail shell-like curved housing design allows the agitator to navigate channels more easily while the curved flow paths generated by the angled nozzles help break up crusty floating layers on the liquid surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Device complexity

If one outflow nozzle is used, then the structure is simple, but considerable recoil and rotational forces are created that are difficult to compensate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidrecoil and rotational forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

While maintaining a relatively simple structure, the device uses asymmetric positioning of multiple outflow nozzles at specific angles to the suction direction, creating a balanced force system that reduces net recoil and rotational forces while maintaining effective mixing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple outflow nozzles are arranged to create counteracting forces that balance the recoil and rotational forces generated during operation, with nozzles positioned to produce opposing momentum vectors that neutralize unwanted forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

4Device complexity

If adequate flow control is not provided, then the structure remains simple, but unsatisfactory mixing results and crust formation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow control complexityVSAvoidmixing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device optimizes mixing efficiency by carefully controlling flow parameters through the nozzle geometry and arrangement, creating high-velocity jets at specific angles (10° to 70° to suction direction) that effectively break up solids and prevent crust formation without requiring complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 agitator achieves rapid and effective agitation of solids in liquids with reduced power consumption, enabling efficient stirring and pumping without additional equipment, while being compact and modular for versatile use in various settings.

Implementation Method 1

an agitator shaft (2), to which at least one impeller (4) accommodated in a housing (3) is coupled, which can be rotated by the agitator shaft (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpeller rotation creating suction flow: Impeller

Implementation Method 2

The arrangement of the outflow nozzles according to the invention and the resulting outflow directions of the stirred liquid produce a nozzle effect, so that extremely good stirring results can be achieved even with low power consumption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNozzle effect: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP2319286B1Stirring assembly and method for stirring and pumping liquids containing solids
Publication Date: 2013.03.20 BRAND GULLETECHN
  • EP2319286B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2319286B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2319286B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An agitator for liquids containing solids, such as slurry, is presented, comprising at least one drive (1) for an agitator shaft (2) to which at least one impeller (4) is coupled. The impeller is housed in a casing (3) and is set in rotation by the agitator shaft (2). The casing (3) has at least one intake opening (5) and at least two outlet nozzles (6, 7). According to the invention, it is proposed that, projected onto a common plane, each pair of outlet nozzles (6, 7) has a common V-shaped arrangement, such that the outflow direction (AB) of each outlet nozzle (6, 7) is deflected between 10° and 70° relative to the intake direction (AN) of the agitated liquid containing solids, which is drawn in through the intake opening (5).The inventive method for stirring and pumping out liquids containing solids with a stirrer is characterized in that the pumping nozzles (17) are pushed in front of the outlet nozzles (6, 7) of the stirrer simultaneously, i.e. synchronously, or individually, i.e. separately.