Dynamic mixer for ohmic heating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior ohmic heating systems face issues with rotor design, leading to uneven heating, increased dwelling time, and maintenance challenges due to the cantilevered rotor construction, which affects treatment efficiency and reliability, especially with high-density and viscous products.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a conduit with multiple heating chambers and rotors supported radially by the product flow, using projections to create turbulence and prevent adhesion, allowing independent rotation of the rotors for improved mixing and heat distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a cantilevered rotor extending along the entire length of the conduit is used, then the rotor can provide continuous mixing, but the rotor cannot reach high enough rotation speeds to achieve desired mixing effect
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is divided into multiple independent rotor elements (first rotor element, second rotor element, third rotor element) that can rotate independently at different speeds. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for high-speed rotation while collectively providing continuous mixing throughout the conduit length.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor elements are arranged radially at different positions along the conduit axis rather than extending linearly. This radial arrangement in three-dimensional space allows compact positioning of multiple high-speed rotating elements without requiring a single long cantilevered structure.
2Ease of operation
If continuous projections along the rotor surface contact the conduit inner surface, then mixing is enhanced, but product adheres to the conduit inner surface creating slower-moving layers
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor elements feature discrete radial projections (first, second, third projections) at specific locations rather than continuous surfaces. These localized projections create turbulence and prevent adhesion at critical points where product contact with the conduit wall would occur, while maintaining effective mixing in the bulk flow.
3Device complexity
If a single supported rotor is used, then the structure is simple, but the rotor cannot achieve high rotation speeds and mixing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor system is segmented into multiple independently supported rotor elements, each with its own support structure (first support structure, second support structure, third support structure). This allows each element to be smaller and lighter, enabling high-speed rotation, while the distributed support structures maintain overall structural integrity.
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 of heating, reduces adhesion, and enables higher rotation speeds, improving treatment efficiency and maintaining apparatus reliability while accommodating a wide range of product viscosities.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor generally has a plurality of projections along its outer surface that contact the inner surface of the conduit... The laminar motion of the product in the proximity of the walls can cause changes in the electrical resistance of the product
Implementation Method 2
Ohmic treatment uses the electrical conductivity of the product to be treated. In particular, it involves passing a certain electrical current through the product, which, by the effect of the electrical resistance of the product, generates heat and consequently raises the temperature product
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for the continuous ohmic thermal treatment of a fluid product includes a conduit defining a longitudinal flow path for the product to be treated extending between an inlet and an outlet. The conduit includes a first and a second heating chamber that are disposed longitudinally along an axis and arranged in sequence, with each heating chamber including a first electrode and a second electrode, separated by an electrical insulating member. The first electrode is located near the inlet or the outlet of the conduit, and the second electrode is located in an intermediate zone of the conduit. A first and a second rotor extend into the first chamber and the second chamber, respectively, and are rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A support system is configured to support in the radial direction the first and second rotors at the intermediate zone of the conduit.