Frustoconical Lift Pump Reduces Shearing in Liquid Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facilities for mixing and separating immiscible liquids with different densities, such as those used in treating ores containing rare earths, suffer from significant shearing between the rotor and stator, leading to extended settling times and increased retention of the organic phase in the aqueous phase.
Innovation Solution
The facility incorporates a stationary frustoconical inner surface positioned above a moving frustoconical inner surface, with the moving body mounted on a rotating shaft, featuring radially extending fins inclined relative to the vertical axis, which reduces shearing by controlling the liquid's kinetic energy and flow rate, and includes a second frustoconical surface that extends the liquid flow towards a settler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a lift pump with rotor and stator is used to transfer the liquid mixture, then the liquid can be transferred to the settler, but significant shearing occurs between rotor and stator which extends settling time and increases organic phase retention
Solution Approach 1:
The pump body is segmented into two distinct frustoconical surfaces: a first frustoconical inner surface on the moving body (rotor) and a second frustoconical inner surface on the stationary body (stator). This segmentation allows each surface to contribute differently to liquid transfer, with the second surface extending the liquid flow path and reducing shearing while maintaining transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the frustoconical surfaces, with the second frustoconical inner surface positioned above the first surface along the vertical axis. This dimensional extension creates a longer, more gradual flow path for the liquid, reducing the intensity of shearing forces while maintaining effective liquid transfer to the settler.
2Ease of operation
If the rotor rotates against the stator to generate liquid rise, then liquid transfer is achieved, but fine droplets are generated that extend settling time
Solution Approach 1:
The second frustoconical inner surface on the stationary body provides a localized region with different flow characteristics compared to the first surface. This local modification creates a more gradual flow transition zone that reduces droplet formation while maintaining the overall liquid rising capability of the pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the pump by introducing a second frustoconical surface with specific height ratios (1-3 times, preferably 1.5-2 times the first surface height). This parameter change modifies the flow dynamics, reducing shearing intensity and droplet generation while maintaining effective liquid transfer.
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 configuration enhances the separation efficiency by reducing shearing, thereby shortening settling times and improving the separation performance, achieving faster and more effective separation of liquid phases.
Implementation Method 1
an agitator located in the tank, the agitator being mounted on a shaft rotatable around a vertical axis
Implementation Method 2
The rotation of the rotor generates a rising of the liquid against the inner wall of the frustoconical stator
Implementation Method 3
A recent study has in particular shown significant shearing between the rotor and the stator
Implementation Method 4
mixing an aqueous phase and an organic phase, then settling them
Implementation Method 5
settling them, for example in the context of treating ores containing rare earths to be separated
Data Source
AI summary
A facility (50) for mixing/separating two immiscible liquids (22, 24) having different densities, said facility including a mixer (52) combined with a settler (14), the mixer including a tank (16) provided with two liquid inlets (18, 20); an agitator (28) located in the tank, the agitator being mounted on a shaft (30) rotating around a vertical axis (32); and a lift pump (54) located above the agitator. The pump includes a moving body (56) rotatable along the vertical axis (32), the moving body defining a first frustoconical inner surface (60) positioned along the vertical axis and upwardly flared, and a body (66) that is stationary relative to the tank, the stationary body defining a second frustoconical inner surface (68) positioned along the vertical axis and upwardly flared, the second frustoconical inner surface being situated substantially in an extension of, and above, the first frustoconical inner surface.