Baffle Pipe Segment Slit Design for Clog-Free Dissolving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dissolving powders or granulates in liquids are space-intensive, slow, and prone to clogging and maintenance issues due to vertical construction and adhesion at baffle discs, limiting flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A baffle pipe segment with a slit design that increases flow speed and turbulence, allowing for effective material dissolution by positioning the baffle element to create a suction effect and prevent clogging, integrated into an injector device that can be easily inserted into dissolving installations, and a dissolving installation with a variable flow pump for efficient material handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a baffle disc is used in a vertical circulation line, then dissolution can be achieved, but the device takes much vertical space and reduces constructive flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical baffle disc arrangement to a horizontal baffle pipe segment configuration. The baffle element is arranged horizontally across the flow direction, creating a slit that directs liquid flow horizontally rather than vertically. This dimensional change eliminates the need for vertical circulation lines and allows the device to be installed in various orientations (horizontal, vertical, or angled) within the existing piping system, thereby increasing constructive flexibility without requiring additional vertical space.
2Productivity
If a baffle disc is used for dissolution, then material can be dissolved, but adhesion and clogging occur requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the baffle structure into a baffle pipe segment with a slit rather than a solid baffle disc. This segmentation allows the liquid flow to pass through the slit while the baffle element itself remains separate and detachable. The segmented design prevents complete clogging of the dissolution area and allows for easier cleaning and maintenance, as the baffle element can be removed or accessed without disassembling the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the baffle structure by introducing a slit with specific dimensions and orientation. The slit is positioned and dimensioned to optimize liquid flow through it while preventing direct impact of solid material onto the baffle element. This parameter optimization reduces adhesion and clogging by changing the flow dynamics and contact characteristics between the liquid, solid material, and baffle structure.
3Productivity
If vertical lines are used for solid material and circulation, then dissolution can be achieved, but the device becomes space-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the dissolution mechanism from a vertical arrangement to a horizontal one. The baffle pipe segment is positioned horizontally across the flow, creating a slit that directs liquid flow horizontally. This allows the dissolution process to occur in a compact horizontal footprint rather than requiring vertical clearance, enabling the device to be installed in spaces with limited vertical headroom while maintaining effective dissolution capability.
4Productivity
If the slit cross-section is reduced to increase flow speed, then turbulence increases improving dissolution, but the slit becomes more prone to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the slit at specific locations and orientations within the baffle pipe segment. The slit is arranged to direct flow through a controlled path that maximizes turbulence in the dissolution zone while maintaining sufficient cross-sectional area to prevent clogging. The local geometry of the slit, including its angle and position relative to the baffle element, is optimized to create favorable flow patterns that promote dissolution without creating dead zones where material could accumulate.
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 solution enhances the flexibility and efficiency of the dissolving process, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring effective dissolution with minimal space requirements, while avoiding clogging and splashing, and allowing for continuous or batch-wise operation in the food industry.
Implementation Method 1
the target liquid has a high ability of creating turbulences on the output side of the pipe segment, which is desired for a more effective dissolution
Implementation Method 2
positioning the baffle element to create a suction effect and prevent clogging
Data Source
AI summary
A baffle pipe segment (1) as obstacle in a flow of a target liquid through the baffle pipe segment (1), comprising a baffle element (3) arranged in the path of the target liquid, wherein a slit (14) for passage of the target liquid is formed between a segment hull (8) of the baffle pipe segment (1) and the baffle element (3). The baffle element (3) comprises at least one first positive curvature (3a) towards the input side. The slit (14) is delimited by an inner wall (14a) and an outer wall (14b), wherein the inner wall (14a) is formed by a wall section of the baffle element (3) and the outer wall (14b) of the slit (14) is formed by a section of the segment hull (8). The slit (14) extends in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis (z) along a section of the circumference of the segment hull (8). And an injector device (7) with such a baffle pipe segment (1) and a dissolving installation (50) with such an injector device (7).