Liquid-Liquid Emulsification Device With Ejector And Spiral Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional liquid-liquid emulsification methods are inefficient, consuming significant energy and resulting in poor mixing performance and unstable emulsions, with existing devices like static mixers and high-shear emulsifiers facing limitations in high-temperature and high-pressure conditions and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a jet part with an ejector and a mixing part, featuring a spiral structure and variable diameter sections to generate turbulent kinetic energy and enhance emulsion breakup, achieving uniform dispersion and stable emulsions with reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional stirring method is used for liquid-liquid emulsification, then the process is simple to operate, but it consumes significant energy and produces poor mixing performance with large dispersed phase droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical stirring system with a fluid dynamic system based on the ejector effect and turbulent flow. The ejector uses pressure differential to inject dispersed phase into major phase, creating turbulent mixing without requiring high-speed mechanical rotation, thus reducing energy consumption while improving mixing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using the ejector to create pressure differential and turbulent flow in the liquid-liquid mixing process. The flow-guided structure and variable diameter sections utilize pressure gradients to enhance dispersion and emulsification, achieving effective mixing through fluid dynamics rather than mechanical force
2Manufacturing precision
If high-shear emulsifiers are used to improve emulsification effect, then mixing performance improves, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates dynamic turbulent flow conditions through the ejector and variable diameter sections, generating intense mixing action that breaks droplets into finer sizes. This dynamic flow approach achieves high-shear-like emulsification effects without requiring mechanical high-shear devices, reducing energy consumption while maintaining emulsification quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow parameters by using variable diameter sections and flow-guided structures to control pressure differential, flow rate ratios, and turbulence intensity. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves effective emulsification with lower energy input compared to traditional high-shear methods
3Device complexity
If static mixers are used for liquid-liquid mixing, then device complexity is reduced, but mixing performance is poor with large dispersed phase droplets and unstable emulsions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mixing device into functional segments: ejector section for injection, flow-guided structure for direction control, variable diameter sections for turbulence generation, and mixing chamber for emulsification. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving superior mixing performance while keeping the overall device relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces three-dimensional flow patterns through the variable diameter sections and flow-guided structures, creating turbulent flow in multiple directions. This dimensional approach to flow control enhances mixing performance by creating complex flow paths that break droplets effectively, overcoming the limitations of simple static mixers
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 device achieves enhanced emulsification with uniform droplet distribution and long-term stability, outperforming conventional methods in terms of turbidity and particle size, while maintaining low energy consumption, suitable for various industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The dispersed phase is compressed and sheared by the ejector in the jet part to produce turbulent kinetic energy, which is ejected from the ejector and dispersed uniformly in the major phase
Implementation Method 2
The spiral structure comprises a cylindrical support rod at the axis and a first spiral blade connected to the inner wall of the ejector housing and the support rod, which is used to generate swirling flow of the dispersed phase to increase turbulent kinetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a device for enhancing liquid-liquid emulsification. The device includes a jet part and a mixing part connected to the jet part. The jet part includes a feed tee for feeding major and dispersed phases, wherein the feed tee includes a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port is used for feeding the major phase, and the second port is equipped with an ejector for feeding the dispersed phase. The ejector consists of an ejector housing and an ejector inlet section, as well as a spiral structure, a flow-guided structure, and an ejector pin structure that are connected sequentially. The mixing part includes a mixer comprising a cylindrical mixer shell, a mixer inlet section, a mixer outlet section, as well as a spiral section, a cavity section, and a variable diameter section for enhancing emulsion breakup and dispersion. A method for enhancing liquid-liquid emulsification is also disclosed. The emulsion produced by the device and method of the invention is uniformly dispersed, has long stability, and the device has a compact structure and low energy consumption. It is particularly suitable for liquid-liquid emulsification processes in fields such as chemical industry, food, coatings, and cosmetics.