Single Stage Clarifier Mixing Assembly with Nested Frustoconical Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clarifiers relying on gravity sedimentation for particle removal from slurries are inefficient due to limitations in settling velocity and drag force ratios, which affect the separation process.
Innovation Solution
A single stage clarifier and mixing assembly with a housing, mixing section, clarifier section, and agitator, featuring nested frustoconical plates and flow passageways that facilitate lamella separation, promoting countercurrent flow and improved settling efficiency through concentric design and mixing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gravity sedimentation is used for particle removal, then the separation process is simple, but the settling efficiency is low due to limitations in settling velocity and drag force ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the settling process by using inclined plates arranged at an angle to the horizontal plane. This dimensional change allows particles to settle along the inclined surfaces, effectively increasing the settling area and improving efficiency without simply expanding the horizontal footprint of the clarifier.
Solution Approach 2:
The clarifier is segmented into multiple zones with inclined plates creating numerous small settling surfaces distributed throughout the vessel. This segmentation transforms a single large settling area into multiple smaller inclined surfaces, increasing the overall settling efficiency while maintaining a compact device structure.
2Speed
If particles are allowed to settle by gravity, then the process requires minimal energy input, but the separation speed is limited by settling velocity
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting plates inclinably rather than horizontally, the patent creates a vertical component to the settling process. This dimensional reorientation allows particles to travel shorter distances along the inclined surfaces, increasing separation speed while utilizing gravity as the primary driving force with minimal additional energy input.
3Productivity
If a single stage clarifier is used, then the device structure is simple, but the separation efficiency is insufficient for complex slurries
Solution Approach 1:
The single stage clarifier is segmented into multiple functional zones using inclined plates arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation creates distinct flow paths and settling regions within a single stage, enhancing separation efficiency for complex slurries without requiring multiple sequential clarification stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined plates are nested within the clarifier vessel in a concentric arrangement, with plates positioned at different radial distances from the central agitator. This nested configuration maximizes the use of available space, creating multiple settling surfaces that work together to improve separation efficiency within a compact single-stage structure.
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
Enhances the separation efficiency of solids from liquids by maintaining solids in suspension and allowing clarified liquids to flow upward, improving the overall efficiency of particle removal and liquid clarification processes.
Implementation Method 1
an agitator adapted for mixing the inlet stream in the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 2
Clarifiers that rely upon gravity sedimentation to remove particles from a slurry
Implementation Method 3
Particle settling occurs when the settling velocity is greater than the upward fluid velocity. The settling velocities are determined by a ratio of gravity forces to drag forces
Implementation Method 4
flow passageways that facilitate lamella separation, promoting countercurrent flow and improved settling efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A single stage clarifier and mixing assembly includes a housing, a mixing section within the housing and a clarifier section within the housing. The mixing section includes a mixing chamber having (a) an inlet, adapted for delivering an inlet stream to the mixing chamber, at an upper end, and (b) a mixing section outlet at a lower end. The clarifier section extends concentrically around the mixing section. The single stage clarifier and mixing assembly also includes an agitator adapted for mixing the inlet stream in the mixing chamber.