Fluidized Bulk Mixing Vessel Reducing Back Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for mixing or blending fine bulk materials are not highly effective in reducing back pressure, which impedes the recirculation of materials.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a vessel with a frusto-conically configured lower end made of impermeable material and a coaxially disposed permeable component, along with mechanisms for injecting fluid under pressure to fluidize and recirculate the material, reducing back pressure and enhancing flow through a spool and recirculating assembly with fluid boundary layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mixing systems are used to blend fine bulk materials, then mixing function is provided, but back pressure increases and recirculation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the bulk material from solid to fluidized state by injecting gas through distribution plates, fundamentally altering the material's flow characteristics and reducing back pressure to enable efficient recirculation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic fluidization by injecting gas through distribution plates at the bottom of the vessel, creating fluidized beds that reduce material friction and back pressure, allowing continuous recirculation through the mixing system
2Productivity
If fluid is injected under pressure to fluidize material, then back pressure is reduced and recirculation is facilitated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution system is segmented into multiple distribution plates with numerous small holes, distributing the fluidization function across many simple elements rather than requiring complex localized control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidized material self-regulates its flow through the system based on pressure differentials and fluidization conditions, reducing the need for complex external control systems to manage recirculation
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 system effectively reduces back pressure, facilitating the recirculation and mixing of fine bulk materials by fluidizing them and minimizing friction, thereby improving the blending process.
Implementation Method 1
means disposed in an upper portion of the lower end of the containing means for injecting a flow of fluid into a portion of such material under pressure sufficient to penetrate and fluidize such material therein
Implementation Method 2
means for injecting a fluid under pressure into the recirculating means for impelling fluidized material received therein, through such recirculating means
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mixing a fine bulk material including means defining a looped passageway including a vertically disposed, laterally enlarged section having a frusto-conically configured, lower outlet portion; means for injecting a fluid under pressure into an upper segment of such frusto-conically configured lower outlet portion to fluidize material therein; means for injecting a fluid under pressure into a lower segment of such frusto-conically configured lower portion to fluidize material therein; and means for injecting a fluid under pressure in said passageway downstream of said lower outlet portion sufficient to induce the flow of fluidized material through said passageway to an upper end of such enlarged section.