Folded-Tab Fluid Mixer for Counter-Rotating Vortices in Pipe Bends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing devices are ineffective in preventing phase separation of immiscible fluids, particularly in pipe bends, and are not simple to fabricate.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device with a plate and tabs formed by folds, producing counter-rotating vortices to reinforce Dean vortices and maintain fluid stability, installed upstream of a pipe bend.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mixing devices are used in pipe bends, then fluid mixing is achieved, but phase separation of immiscible fluids occurs and the devices are complex to fabricate
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is segmented into multiple tabs that are folded to different positions, creating a stepped configuration. Each tab segment contributes to generating vortices in a specific region, collectively preventing phase separation throughout the pipe bend without requiring complex external components
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing mechanism transitions from two-dimensional tab arrangements to three-dimensional stepped structures through folding. This dimensional change creates counter-rotating vortices and Dean vortices that effectively mix immiscible phases in the pipe bend, achieving reliable mixing while maintaining simple flat-plate fabrication
2Reliability
If mixing devices are installed upstream of pipe bends, then phase separation is prevented, but the device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device structure is merged with the pipe bend configuration by positioning the plate upstream of the bend. The tabs and folds are integrated into a single planar component that leverages the existing pipe geometry to generate mixing vortices, eliminating the need for separate complex mixing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes dynamic flow-induced vortices rather than static mixing elements. The folded tabs create counter-rotating vortices that interact with Dean vortices generated by the pipe bend, providing adaptive mixing that responds to flow conditions without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms
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
Prevents phase separation and enhances mixing by creating stable counter-rotating vortices, maintaining fluid stability and increasing surface area in immiscible fluid reactions.
Implementation Method 1
the tabs and first folds and second folds being arranged to produce two counter-rotating vortices in the fluids passing through the pipe
Implementation Method 2
flowing the fluids past the pipe bend and thereby inducing counter-rotating Dean vortices in the fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid mixing device (10) for use in chemical reactions involving two or more immiscible fluid phases. It mixes the reactants and prevents phase separation, particularly in pipe bends. The device (10) for mixing fluids flowing through a pipe (16), comprises a plate (12) having a flowpath (14) therethrough and two or more tabs (20) extending from the plate into the flowpath at an angle (24) from the plane (22) of the plate. The tabs (20) are formed by first folds (32) in the plate, at least two of the tabs (20A) having a second fold (26) therein, the tabs and first and second folds being arranged to produce two counter-rotating vortices (30) in the fluids passing through the pipe. The device has a plane of symmetry (28) perpendicular to the plane (22) of the plate (12).