Agitation Mixing Apparatus Axial Vibration Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agitation mixing apparatuses lack efficiency in agitating and mixing fluids, particularly in biochemical applications, where enhanced shear forces and mixing capabilities are required for processes like emulsion production and chemical reactions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a casing with grooves on its inner wall and a helical agitator that vibrates axially, generating vortexes with reversing rotation directions, which break and re-form to create strong shear forces, enhancing mixing efficiency. The grooves and agitator are designed with specific geometries and orientations to optimize fluid flow and agitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional helical vane is used for agitation, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the agitating efficiency and mixing efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The casing inner wall is segmented into multiple grooves at predetermined intervals, which divides the fluid flow into multiple separate vortex paths. This segmentation increases the overall agitating efficiency by creating multiple vortex generation zones simultaneously, while the grooves themselves are simple structural features that do not significantly increase device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat vane surface to a three-dimensional vortex structure by forming grooves on the casing inner wall. The grooves create depth in the flow path, enabling the generation of strong vortexes that enhance mixing efficiency through three-dimensional fluid motion rather than simple planar agitation
2Productivity
If the agitator vibrates at high frequency with strong force, then mixing efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator is designed to vibrate in the axial direction, which generates dynamic flow patterns and vortexes in the grooves. This vibration mechanism enhances mixing efficiency by creating time-varying shear forces and preventing stagnant zones, while the vibration amplitude and frequency can be optimized to balance mixing performance with energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow regime parameters by creating vortex flow instead of simple laminar or turbulent flow. The grooves are designed with specific dimensions (width, depth, spacing) that optimize vortex formation, allowing efficient mixing at lower energy inputs by leveraging the rotational kinetic energy of vortexes rather than relying solely on high-frequency vibration
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
This design significantly improves agitating and mixing efficiency, allowing for effective dispersion and separation of fluids, even with reduced shaking force or frequency, and is suitable for various applications including emulsion production and biochemical processes.
Implementation Method 1
a drive source, connected to the shaft, for vibrating the agitator in an axial direction
Implementation Method 2
A part of the fluid flowing along the casing flows into the grooves, and vortexes are generated in the grooves. The vortexes are generated in the grooves so as to reverse their rotation direction in accordance with the agitator being vibrated in the axial direction
Implementation Method 3
the immediately preceding vortexes are broken, and a great sheer force occurs in the fluid. Thus, the fluid containing one type or plural types of fluid and/or solid particles is agitated and mixed
Data Source
AI summary
In an agitation mixing apparatus 51 which includes: a casing 52 having a flow path 56 in which a fluid flows; an agitator 53 which is disposed inside the casing 52 and includes a shaft 57 and a vane 58 mounted around the shaft 57; and a drive source 59, connected to the shaft 57, for vibrating the agitator 53 in an axial direction, grooves 71 are provided on an inner wall surface of the casing 52 at predetermined intervals in the axial direction.