Double Vortex Mixer for Supersaturated Solution Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vortex mixers face challenges in achieving complete reaction of reactants to form supersaturated solutions and small crystals efficiently, particularly in maintaining intense mixing over prolonged periods and producing high dry solids content slurries with low viscosity, which is difficult in stirred tank reactor configurations.
Innovation Solution
A vortex mixer design featuring a closed residence chamber that generates a double vortex, allowing for prolonged intensive mixing by creating an outer vortex away from the outlet and an inner vortex towards it, with adjustable dimensions and pressure, enabling complete reactant depletion and formation of small crystals, and a method involving the introduction of reactants to form supersaturated solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional vortex mixer is used, then mixing action is generated, but reverse flow occurs extending for several tens of diameters from the outlet, reducing mixing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber is divided into two functional zones: an upper mixing section and a lower residence chamber. This segmentation allows the mixture to be mixed intensely in the upper section and then held in the lower section for prolonged residence time, separating the mixing function from the holding function to eliminate reverse flow losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the mixing process by creating a double vortex system that flows in opposite directions (one away from outlet, one towards outlet). This dimensional approach allows intensive mixing in a compact space while maintaining unidirectional flow through the residence chamber, eliminating reverse flow.
2Productivity
If residence time is increased for complete reaction, then reactants react more completely, but mixing intensity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber is divided into two functional zones: an upper mixing section and a lower residence chamber. This segmentation allows the mixture to be mixed intensely in the upper section and then held in the lower section for prolonged residence time, separating the mixing function from the holding function to eliminate reverse flow losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The double vortex system maintains continuous intensive mixing throughout the residence chamber while allowing prolonged residence time. The outer vortex (away from outlet) and inner vortex (towards outlet) create continuous flow patterns that maintain mixing intensity throughout the entire residence period, enabling complete reaction without sacrificing mixing quality.
3Quantity of substance
If high dry solids content is achieved, then supersaturated solution is produced, but viscosity increases making mixing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mixture is prepared in a controlled environment (vortex mixer with residence chamber) where reactants are mixed intensely and allowed to react completely before discharge. This preliminary action ensures complete reaction and supersaturation are achieved under controlled conditions, producing a homogeneous supersaturated solution that can be discharged without excessive viscosity issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic principles to maintain flow and mixing. The double vortex creation and residence chamber design utilize fluid dynamics to maintain continuous flow patterns that prevent localized overheating and viscosity buildup, allowing high dry solids content to be achieved while maintaining manageable viscosity through continuous hydraulic circulation.
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 double vortex mixer effectively sustains intensive mixing, allowing for complete reactant reaction and production of supersaturated solutions with high dry solids content, reducing crystal formation time and achieving small crystal sizes suitable for various applications, including cosmetic, dental, and food products.
Implementation Method 1
a vortex mixer comprising a mixing chamber having an axial outlet and at least one inlet which is at least substantially tangential... the liquid leaving the vortex mixer does so in the form of a vortex... There is a degree of reverse flow along the inside of the vortex
Implementation Method 2
The slurry is introduced into a spray dryer. The spray dryer atomizes the slurry, which falls through a heat zone, vaporizing the fluid
Implementation Method 3
The spray dryer atomizes the slurry, which falls through a heat zone, vaporizing the fluid
Implementation Method 4
The solution very rapidly becomes supersaturated, and the ultrasound can induce a very large number of nuclei for crystal growth. Small crystals, for example less than 5 μm, are formed
Implementation Method 5
the ultrasound can induce a very large number of nuclei for crystal growth
Implementation Method 6
at least one injection nozzle having a flexible discharge tube with an effective length at least equal to the characteristic wavelength for flexural resonant vibration thereof when pressurized fluid issues therefrom
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a vortex mixer (1) comprising a mixing chamber (2) having an axial outlet (3) and at least one inlet (4) which is at least substantially tangential. The mixer (1) further comprises a residence chamber (5) extending axially on the side of the mixing chamber (2) opposite from the axial outlet (3).