Dual Throttle Body Injector for Steam Pulp Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mixing fluids, such as steam into pulp suspensions, are energy intensive and require significant maintenance, often resulting in inadequate mixing that can lead to steam implosions causing mechanical damage due to pressure shocks.

Innovation Solution

A high-speed injector apparatus with a control unit that ensures a minimum flow velocity of the pulp suspension by adjusting the flow area using pivotally arranged throttle bodies and pneumatic cylinders, preventing steam implosions by maintaining optimal flow velocity and mixing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mixing methods are used to introduce steam into pulp suspension, then steam can be added to heat the pulp, but insufficient mixing causes steam bubbles to form and implode, creating pressure shocks that damage equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment reliabilityVSAvoidsteam implosion damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The steam injection system is segmented into multiple injection points along the flow path, allowing steam to be introduced at different locations. This segmentation prevents large steam bubbles from forming by distributing steam injection throughout the pulp suspension flow, thereby reducing steam implosion risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary mixing action by introducing steam into a high-velocity pulp suspension flow before the steam can form large bubbles. The high-velocity flow immediately disperses the steam, preventing bubble formation and subsequent implosions that would cause equipment damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If high flow velocity is maintained to prevent steam implosions, then mixing efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing effectivenessVSAvoidpump energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the flow velocity and steam injection rate based on operating conditions. By optimizing the balance between maintaining sufficient velocity for effective mixing and reducing energy consumption, the system achieves reliable steam dispersion without excessive energy use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as steam injection pressure, temperature, and flow rate to optimize mixing effectiveness. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains effective steam dispersion while minimizing the energy required to achieve the desired mixing quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If existing steam injection apparatus are used, then steam can be introduced into pulp, but the apparatus require significant maintenance and are energy intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam injection capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be self-cleaning and self-regulating, utilizing the high-velocity pulp suspension flow to prevent deposit accumulation on injection components. This self-service design reduces maintenance requirements while maintaining continuous steam injection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively mixes steam into pulp suspensions, reducing the risk of steam implosions and mechanical damage by maintaining a consistent flow velocity, thereby enhancing mixing efficiency and minimizing equipment damage.

Implementation Method 1

introducing one fluid into the flow path of another fluid means injection, mixing, dispersion or other admixing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulent mixing: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

two respective throttle bodies, each of which is pivotally arranged inside the chamber and attached to opposed sides of the chamber for controlling the flow area of the flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow control:

Data Source

PatentUS10688455B2High speed injector apparatus with dual throttle bodies

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 ANDRITZ AB

AI summary

An apparatus for mixing a first fluid into a flow path of a second fluid, the apparatus comprising: a chamber enclosing the flow path, the chamber including a second fluid first inlet for receiving its respective fluid. The apparatus also includes a second inlet arranged downstream of the first inlet and receiving the first fluid, as well as an outlet arranged downstream of the second inlet for discharging a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid. The second inlet flows into the flow path and is formed by a shared fluid injector mounted transverse to the axial direction that one fluid and the two fluid flows through its chamber. The flow path includes two respective throttle bodies, each of which is pivotally arranged inside the chamber and attached to opposed sides of the chamber for controlling the flow area of the flow path.