Helical Airfoil Mixer for Inline Fluid Treatment and Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid treatment processes, such as iron chelate treatment for oil, are time-consuming and inefficient, often requiring multiple steps and intermediate storage, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A mixer apparatus with an annular ring and helical airfoils, featuring perforations and airfoil surface perturbations, is used to efficiently mix fluids in-situ, reducing the need for separate batch treatments and agitation steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fluid treatment processes are used, then treatment can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple steps including agitation and decanting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple treatment functions into a single inline mixing device that performs fluid injection and mixing simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate batch treatment vessels, agitation equipment, and decanting steps that characterize conventional multi-step processes
Solution Approach 2:
The inline mixing device enables continuous fluid treatment as fluids flow through the system, replacing the discontinuous batch processing nature of conventional methods that require periodic agitation, sampling, and decanting operations
2Productivity
If conventional batch treatment with intermediate storage is used, then fluid treatment can be performed, but the system becomes costly and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate storage step from the conventional treatment process, allowing fluids to be treated inline during transport without requiring separate storage vessels or holding tanks, thereby reducing system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing device is designed to perform self-mixing through its geometric features (airfoils, curvature) that generate turbulent flow and mixing without requiring external agitation equipment or additional energy input, making the system self-sufficient and cost-effective
3Productivity
If simple mixing structures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but mixing efficiency and fluid recursion are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating specific geometric features (airfoils with curved surfaces, varying thickness, and strategic positioning) at critical locations within the mixing device to generate localized turbulent flow patterns and fluid recursion that enhance mixing efficiency without complicating the entire structure
Solution Approach 2:
The airfoils incorporate curved and spherical geometric elements that redirect fluid flow to create recursion patterns, enhancing mixing through natural flow dynamics rather than requiring complex mechanical agitation 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
The mixer apparatus enhances mixing efficiency, reduces mixing time and distance, and improves system efficiencies by allowing simultaneous fluid treatment and delivery, eliminating the need for intermediate storage and processing steps.
Implementation Method 1
the airfoil surface perturbation can include a wavelet... configured to induce fluid recursion leading into the plurality of serrations... the plurality of serrations can be configured to cause interacting vortices
Implementation Method 2
the wavelet is configured to induce fluid recursion leading into the plurality of serrations
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of perforations in fluid communication with the one or more fluid inlets to introduce the first fluid into the second fluid
Implementation Method 4
a fluid is configured to split at the leading edge such that a first fluid portion flows across the top surface at a first velocity and a second fluid portion is configured to flow across the bottom surface at a second velocity slower than the first velocity
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid mixer apparatus can include an annular ring defining a fluid flow path configured for a first fluid through the annular ring. The annular ring can include one or more fluid inlets circumferentially disposed on an exterior surface of the annular ring, the one or more fluid inlets configured to receive a second fluid different than the first fluid. The fluid mixer apparatus can include a central hub and a plurality of helical airfoils positioned inside the annular ring and connected to both of the annular ring and the central hub. In some examples, each helical airfoil of the plurality of helical airfoils can include: a plurality of perforations in fluid communication with the one or more fluid inlets to introduce the first fluid into the second fluid; and an airfoil surface perturbation positioned adjacent to or rearward of the plurality of perforations.