Colloid Mill Stator Helical Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing colloid mills lack the ability to rapidly and easily adjust the shear gap without disassembly, leading to unwanted downtime and labor costs during processing and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A colloid mill design that allows for the rapid adjustment of the rotor/stator gap by moving the stator with respect to the rotor, enabling the shear gap to be altered without disassembly, and incorporating features for enhanced sanitation and cleanability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the shear gap is adjusted by disassembling and repositioning the rotor or stator, then the particle/droplet size control is improved, but the downtime and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is designed with a movable structure that allows dynamic adjustment of the shear gap during operation. The adjustment mechanism enables the stator to be repositioned along the rotor surface without disassembly, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to different processing requirements in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The stator is divided into multiple segments or adjustable sections that can be independently repositioned. This segmentation allows for precise control of the shear gap at different locations and enables quick adjustment without moving the entire stator assembly, reducing adjustment time while maintaining particle size control
2Ease of manufacture
If the rotor or stator is disassembled for cleaning, then the cleanability is improved, but the downtime and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor and stator are designed as separable components that can be easily extracted from the housing without complete disassembly of the colloid mill. This extraction principle allows the processing elements to be removed for cleaning while leaving the main body intact, reducing cleaning time and labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The movable stator design inherently provides access to the shear gap region that would otherwise be difficult to reach. By making the stator adjustable and accessible, the design enables cleaning operations to be performed more easily without requiring full disassembly, thus improving cleanability while minimizing downtime
3Ease of operation
If the stator is made movable to allow rapid adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is broken down into simple, modular components such as separate adjustment knobs, locking mechanisms, and guide rails. Each component performs a single function, making the overall system easier to understand and operate despite the added capability of movable stator
Solution Approach 2:
A simple intermediary mechanism such as a threaded rod, cam, or lever is introduced to translate user input (rotation or movement of the adjustment device) into precise stator repositioning. This intermediary element simplifies the operation by providing a direct, intuitive control interface while managing the complexity of the movable stator mechanism
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
Enables quick and effortless adjustment of the shear gap during operation, reducing downtime and labor costs, while also improving the mill's sanitation and cleanability through the use of buffer solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the shear imparted by the rotor serving to break the suspended matter or droplets into smaller sizes
Implementation Method 2
the stator 110 both rotating and translating about the rotor 104 (and with such translation altering the shear gap 102)
Data Source
AI summary
The shear gap between a rotor and a stator in a colloid mill is adjusted by translating the stator with respect to the rotor, preferably by moving the stator along a helical path about the rotor, thereby moving the stator's surface closer to or further from the rotor's surface (and altering the shear gap therebetween). Helical slots are provided in the casing about the stator, with members extending from the stator through the slots, whereby the members can be grasped and rotated about the casing to move the stator. Channels allowing circulation of buffer fluid are provided about the stator and rotor to deter ingress of the fluid being processed into junctures between components of the colloid mill.