Cross-Wise Hollow Structures for High Viscosity Fluid Mixing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for heat exchanging and mixing fluids, particularly those handling high viscosity fluids, fail to achieve adequate homogeneity and mixing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a housing with cross-wise arranged hollow structures that allow for a larger flow cross-section ratio, enabling better residence-time distribution and mixing by deflecting fluids through connection members, and can operate as a heat exchanger, mixer, or combined reactor, optimizing heat transfer and mixing for high viscosity fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional heat exchanger designs are used, then heat exchange function is provided, but mixing efficiency and homogeneity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heat exchange and mixing functions into a single integrated apparatus. The heat exchanger housing contains both heat exchange surfaces and mixing elements (hollow structures with connection members) that work simultaneously to achieve both thermal transfer and fluid homogenization, eliminating the need for separate mixing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: heat exchange between fluids, mixing of fluids, and potentially chemical reaction (reactor function). The hollow structures serve dual purposes as both heat transfer surfaces and mixing elements that create turbulence and improve fluid contact
2Productivity
If conventional mixing apparatuses are used, then mixing function is provided, but heat exchange efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates heat exchange surfaces directly into the mixing structure. The hollow structures are positioned to maximize both mixing action and thermal contact area, allowing heat transfer to occur simultaneously with the mixing process rather than requiring separate dedicated heat exchange equipment
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional apparatuses are used for high viscosity fluids, then processing is enabled, but homogeneity of mixture is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow structures are strategically positioned and dimensioned to create localized turbulence and flow patterns specifically suited for high viscosity fluids. The connection members are designed to generate controlled flow disturbances that effectively mix thick fluids without requiring excessive energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is specifically designed with geometric parameters optimized for high viscosity fluids. The hollow structure dimensions, connection member angles, and flow cross-section ratios are configured to create appropriate flow regimes that enable effective mixing and heat exchange of viscous materials like polymers and foodstuffs
4Temperature
If larger surface area is provided for heat exchange, then heat transfer is improved, but apparatus volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow structures are nested within the heat exchanger housing, with the mixing elements positioned inside the heat exchange surfaces. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available space, allowing multiple functions to occupy the same volumetric space without requiring additional apparatus volume
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 design enhances the homogeneity and mixing efficiency of fluids, particularly for high viscosity media like polymers and foodstuffs, while minimizing the required surface area for heat exchange, achieving optimal mixing and heat transfer with improved plug flow behavior.
Implementation Method 1
the hollow structures include a plurality of connection members through which a compulsory deflection of the first fluid flowing in the interior of the hollow structure is effected
Implementation Method 2
A heat exchange takes place in the apparatus between the first fluid, the heat exchanger fluid, and at least one further fluid
Implementation Method 3
A better residence-time distribution can thus be achieved as a consequence of the use of hollow structures for the homogenizing of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for the mixing conveying of fluids with heat exchange includes a housing with installations that each include a first hollow structure for conveying a first fluid while a second fluid is able to flow around the first hollow structure. The second fluid flows along a main flow direction which is substantially disposed along the longitudinal axis of the housing. A second hollow structure is provided through which the first fluid can flow and which can be flowed around by the second fluid with the second hollow structure being arranged cross-wise with respect to the first hollow structure. The hollow structures have a flow cross-section with a first width B1 and a second width B2, with B1/B2 being larger than one and B1 oriented normally to a plane which contains the longitudinal axis of the housing or a line parallel to the longitudinal axis and an axis of the hollow structure.