Flocculant Mixing Pump and Maturing Tank Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for preparing and dispensing flocculant solutions for dewatering aqueous process streams are often complex and require additional pumps and mixing units, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A compact apparatus utilizing a mixing pump to mix and pressurize the flocculant solution, which is then stored in a maturing pressure tank under pressure above atmosphere pressure, eliminating the need for additional pumps and mixing units by using the pressurized solution's pressure to drive fluid flow directly into the process stream.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a compact apparatus with a mixing pump and maturing pressure tank is used, then device complexity is reduced and water consumption is decreased, but the pressure required for maturing the flocculant solution must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus constructionVSAvoidpressure in maturing tank

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing pump and maturing pressure tank are combined into a single integrated system where the mixing pump serves dual functions of mixing the flocculant solution and pressurizing it for maturing in the tank, eliminating the need for separate pressurization equipment and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The maturing pressure tank utilizes the pressure generated by the mixing pump to maintain the flocculant solution under pressure during maturing, eliminating the need for additional pressure maintenance equipment and reducing device complexity while maintaining required pressure conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Volume of moving object

If the flocculant solution is pressurized and maturing is performed under pressure, then the apparatus can be more compact, but additional pressure control mechanisms are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus volumeVSAvoidpressure control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing pump is designed to perform multiple functions: mixing the flocculant solution, pressurizing it for maturing, and maintaining pressure during the maturing process, eliminating the need for separate pressure control mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

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

This approach increases the conductivity of the flocculant solution, allowing for higher concentrated solutions to be used with reduced total consumption, resulting in water savings of up to 90% and achieving the same dewatering results with less flocculant, while simplifying the apparatus design.

Implementation Method 1

a mixing pump that mixes the flocculant solution and builds up a pressure onto the flocculant solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMixing: Stirring

Implementation Method 2

a mixing pump that mixes the flocculant solution and builds up a pressure onto the flocculant solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure buildup: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 3

after the mixing pump, the fluid flow of the pressurized diluted flocculant solution into the process stream to be treated therewith is driven by the pressure of the pressurized diluted flocculant solution generated by the mixing pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 4

a maturing pressure tank, whereby the maturing pressure tank is fluidly connected with the mixing pump, so that the pressurized diluted flocculant solution is led from the mixing pump into the maturing pressure tank and matured therein under pressure that is above atmosphere pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure storage: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentUS11319223B2Apparatus for preparing and dispensing a flocculant solution to dewatering an aqueous process stream

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 ECOLAB USA INC

AI summary

An apparatus for preparing and dispensing a flocculant solution to dewatering an aqueous process stream includes a mixing pump, a maturing tank, and a feeding unit. The mixing pump mixes the flocculant solution and builds up a pressure onto the flocculant solution. The maturing pressure tank is fluidly connected with the mixing pump, so that the pressurized diluted flocculant solution is led from the mixing pump into the maturing pressure tank and matured therein under pressure that is above atmosphere pressure.