Corrugated Volute Edge for Stable Liquid Mixing and Aeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid mixing and aeration apparatuses are energy-inefficient and unstable when operated close to or at the liquid surface, leading to reduced mixing and aeration capacity due to the design of their volute or housing, which typically has a flat upper edge positioned well above the liquid level, resulting in inefficient liquid flow and spray trajectory.
Innovation Solution
A mixing apparatus with a conical housing featuring a corrugated upper edge, allowing for adjustable positioning relative to the liquid surface, which generates stable and controlled liquid flows by creating distinct spray zones with varying flow rates, enabling better mixing and aeration while reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flat upper edge of the volute or housing is positioned well above the liquid level to ensure stable operation, then operational stability is improved, but the spray trajectory becomes inefficient and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional flat upper edge of the volute with a corrugated upper edge featuring multiple alternating peaks and valleys. This curved/undulating geometry redirects the spray trajectory to return closer to the liquid surface, improving energy efficiency while maintaining operational stability through the distributed flow pattern created by the corrugations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the flat upper edge of the volute or housing is positioned close to or at the liquid level to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but operational stability deteriorates and the apparatus becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated upper edge with its undulating profile allows the apparatus to operate efficiently with the edge close to or at the liquid level. The multiple peaks and valleys create a distributed spray pattern that returns to the liquid surface in a controlled manner, providing the stability needed for efficient operation at this optimized position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single central float is used for buoyancy with the volute edge positioned close to the liquid level, then the apparatus can operate as an aerator, but the spray trajectory becomes unnecessarily long and velocity is lost before hitting the liquid surface
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated upper edge redirects the spray trajectory through its undulating geometry, causing the liquid to return to the liquid surface much closer to the volute housing. This significantly shortens the spray trajectory and prevents velocity loss, enabling effective aerator operation with the float positioned optimally.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the volute or housing has a flat upper edge positioned well above the liquid level, then the apparatus can operate as a mixer, but the mixing and aeration capacity is reduced for a given power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated upper edge creates multiple spray zones that return liquid to the surface in a distributed pattern, enhancing both mixing and aeration capacity. This undulating geometry increases the effective working volume and improves power utilization, allowing the apparatus to achieve higher productivity as a mixer compared to conventional flat-edge designs.
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 apparatus achieves stable operation and enhanced mixing and aeration capabilities with reduced power consumption by optimizing the position and shape of the corrugated upper edge of the housing, allowing for flexible control over aeration and mixing ratios and improved liquid flow distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a screw impeller mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith; an at least partly conical housing attached to the supporting element; whereby the impeller has at least a lower portion extending within the housing, and an upper portion extending outside the housing, said impeller, when rotating, generating a pumping of liquid within the housing from the bottom opening of the housing and to expel said pumped liquid through the upper opening of the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
A mixing apparatus comprising: a supporting element (1) with a partly conical volute with an upper corrugated free edge; a top-mounted power drive (2); and impeller (4) mounted on said shaft (3) for rotation therewith.