Dual Stirring Tank System for Preventing Release Agent Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stirring devices fail to prevent separation of release agents, such as silica and aluminum oxide, both in the stirring tank and in pipes leading to nozzles, due to their insolubility in water and the inefficiencies in force-feeding and mixing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A pair of stirring tanks with a stirrer, air supplying member, output-input member, and a flow path switch valve are used to continuously circulate the liquid, with ultrasonic sensors monitoring the liquid surface height to ensure consistent stirring and prevent separation by minimizing the length of pipe retention during dormant flow, and using stainless steel protective members to facilitate easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the pump is stopped when liquid is not being force-fed, then energy consumption is reduced, but the liquid in the pipe separates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous circulation of liquid through the pipe by operating the pump at a low speed even when not actively force-feeding. This continuous motion prevents the liquid components from separating while consuming minimal energy, thus maintaining both energy efficiency and mixture stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If two containers are used to store components separately, then the components can be mixed at the nozzle, but the mixed condition cannot be maintained due to easy separation
Solution Approach 1:
The components are preliminarily mixed in the storage tank before being stored separately in two containers. This preliminary mixing ensures that when the components are later combined at the nozzle, they maintain a stable mixed condition because they have already been pre-conditioned for compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous circulation and mixing of the liquid components through the piping system, ensuring that even though components are stored separately, they remain in a state of motion and do not separate, thus maintaining mixture stability throughout the system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pipe length from stirring tank to nozzle is long, then the system is flexible in layout, but the liquid separates while dormant in the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates continuously at a low speed to maintain liquid circulation throughout the entire pipe length, preventing separation even in long pipelines. This continuous motion ensures that the liquid remains mixed while allowing the system to be laid out flexibly over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic circulation through the pump to maintain continuous liquid flow. By utilizing the fluid dynamics and pressure generated by the pump, the system keeps the liquid in constant motion throughout long pipes, preventing separation while maintaining layout flexibility.
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 solution effectively prevents separation of release agents not only in the stirring tanks but also in the pipes leading to nozzles, ensuring continuous flow and preventing initial separation issues from the start of use.
Implementation Method 1
an output-input member which can send the liquid in the stirring tank to the outside by air pressure
Implementation Method 2
a stirrer which stirs the liquid in the stirring tanks
Implementation Method 3
a flow path switch valve which is provided in the middle of the pipe for supplying a liquid to the point of use
Data Source
AI summary
When a first electromagnetic valve of a first stirring tank is turned ON and a second electromagnetic valve of a second stirring tank is turned OFF, the air pressure inside the first stirring tank increases and the liquid in the first stirring tank is sent into the second stirring tank via piping. When the volume of the liquid inside the second stirring tank reaches an upper limit, the first electromagnetic valve of the first stirring tank is turned OFF and the second electromagnetic valve of the second stirring tank is turned ON. As a result, the liquid inside the second stirring tank is now sent into the first stirring tank via the piping. Ultimately, because the liquid is circulated between the first and second stirring tanks and the liquid is flowing at all times due to the repetition of said actions, separation does not occur.