Central entry dual rotor cavitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cavitation devices are inefficient in mixing fluids with high viscosities, densities, or high solid concentrations, as they fail to effectively account for fluid properties and direct flow patterns, leading to excessive energy wastage and suboptimal mixing results.
Innovation Solution
The use of two parallel cavitation rotors with a central inlet and tangential fluid entry, combined with optional discs and radial ribs, to harness viscous drag and enhance the cavitation effect, ensuring efficient mixing by directing fluid flow through a cavitation zone with outlets positioned to maximize exposure to the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single rotor with orthogonal inlet ports is used, then the device can handle fluid flow, but excessive drag is generated and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The single rotor is divided into two parallel rotors, each handling a portion of the fluid flow independently. This segmentation reduces the drag on each rotor and optimizes the cavitation effect, thereby reducing energy waste while maintaining high throughput capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-rotor configuration to a dual-rotor parallel configuration, adding a spatial dimension to the mixing process. This allows fluid to be introduced centrally and distributed between two rotors, reducing drag and energy consumption while maintaining mixing effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If fluid is directed toward the face of the rotor, then mixing occurs, but viscous drag retards rotation and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directing fluid toward the face of the rotor (orthogonal entry), the invention introduces fluid centrally between the two parallel rotors, allowing the rotors to interact with the fluid from the sides. This inverted approach reduces viscous drag on rotation while maintaining mixing effectiveness through cavitation
3Productivity
If prior art cavitation devices are used, then mixing is achieved, but dense materials with high viscosities and solids are not well mixed at desired flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid stream is divided and processed by two parallel rotors simultaneously, each creating cavitation effects that effectively mix dense materials with high viscosities and solids content. This segmented approach maintains mixing quality at higher flow rates than single-rotor devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using two rotors rotating in opposite directions, creating enhanced cavitation effects that improve mixing of challenging fluids (dense, high viscosity, high solids) at desired throughput rates
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 configuration significantly reduces energy consumption and enhances mixing efficiency, particularly at high flow rates, achieving better mixing results with challenging fluids like dense drilling muds by optimizing the cavitation process and flow patterns.
Implementation Method 1
A cavitation zone is formed between a rotating cylindrical or other surface and a conforming housing surface, the rotating surface containing numerous cavities. The cavitation effect achieved by the mini-violent turbulence in and around the cavities is known.
Implementation Method 2
One or more optional discs may be deployed in parallel to the rotors to augment the use of viscous drag to turn the rotors and moderate energy consumption while optimizing the desirable cavitation and mixing effects.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described of mixing fluid materials, including solids and gases. The materials to be mixed are introduced between two cylindrical rotors mounted in parallel on a motorized shaft. The rotors have arrays of cavities on their cylindrical surfaces and rotate within close proximity to the interior of a cylindrical shell. Passage of the fluid between the rotating rotors and the interior surface of the cylindrical shell causes cavitation, which mixes the materials. The mixture is passed to outlets on the far sides of the rotors from the inlet. Apparatus is described for extending the flow path of the materials and thus increasing exposure to the cavitation process.