High Speed Injector Turbulence Flap Steam Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mixing fluids, such as steam into pulp suspension, are energy intensive and require significant maintenance, leading to inefficient mixing and potential mechanical damage from steam bubbles implosion, especially in pulp suspensions of medium consistency.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a vertically adjustable throttle body and baffle system that increases turbulence by controlling the flow area and redirecting fluid flow, ensuring improved mixing of steam into pulp suspension, thereby minimizing equipment damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional mixing methods are used to introduce steam into pulp suspension, then the mixing process can be performed, but the energy consumption is high and maintenance requirements are significant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmaintenance requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a vertically adjustable throttle body that can be dynamically positioned to control flow area based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes mixing efficiency across varying flow rates, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable operation without frequent maintenance interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the flow area parameter dynamically by adjusting the throttle body position. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions, improving energy efficiency and reducing maintenance needs by operating within optimal parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If insufficient mixing is used to reduce energy consumption, then energy is saved, but steam bubbles form and implode causing mechanical damage to equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmechanical damage from steam implosions
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates local high-turbulence zones through the specially designed end portion of the throttle body with its three-part structure. This localized quality enhancement ensures adequate mixing and prevents steam bubble formation in critical areas, eliminating mechanical damage risks while maintaining overall energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of steam bubbles into benefit by using the throttle body's end portion design to create controlled turbulence that prevents bubble formation. The geometric features that might seem to create obstruction actually serve to enhance mixing and eliminate the harmful implosion effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If high turbulence is created to improve mixing, then mixing efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the throttle body into three distinct parts at its end portion, each serving a specific function in creating turbulence and improving mixing. This segmentation achieves high mixing efficiency through a single integrated component rather than multiple separate devices, thereby maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The throttle body serves multiple functions: it controls flow area, creates turbulence, and prevents steam bubble formation. This multi-functionality achieves high mixing efficiency without adding device complexity, as one component performs several critical roles simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the flow area is kept constant to simplify control, then control is simple, but the flow velocity cannot be optimized for different flow rates reducing mixing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidmixing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a vertically adjustable throttle body that dynamically adapts to different flow rates. This dynamic control mechanism maintains optimal flow velocity across varying operating conditions, ensuring effective mixing without overly complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable throttle body system incorporates feedback from flow rate conditions to automatically position itself at the appropriate vertical level, optimizing flow area and velocity. This feedback mechanism maintains mixing effectiveness across different operating points while keeping control relatively simple through automatic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution enhances mixing efficiency, reducing the risk of steam implosions and mechanical damage by maintaining a suitable flow velocity and turbulence, resulting in a better end product and reduced maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

the end portion of the throttle body causing a higher turbulence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

the flow area decreases with a decreasing flow rate of the first fluid and increases with an increasing flow rate of the first fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow velocity increase through flow area control: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 3

baffle system that increases turbulence by controlling the flow area and redirecting fluid flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow redirection and turbulence: Flow Separation

Data Source

PatentEP3288672B1High speed injector with two stage turbulence flap and method of mixing therewith
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 ANDRITZ AB
  • EP3288672B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3288672B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3288672B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatus for mixing a second fluid into a first fluid comprising a flow path (13) of the first fluid, having a first inlet (11) for receiving the first fluid and a second inlet (14) arranged downstream of the first inlet (11) for receiving the second fluid, an outlet (12) for discharging a mixture of said first fluid and said second fluid, a vertically adjustable throttle body (22) having a second end comprising an end portion (27), wherein the throttle body (22) is arranged for controlling the flow area of the flow path (13) and is adjustable so that the flow area of the flow passage (13) decreases with a decreasing flow rate of the first fluid and increases with an increasing flow rate of the first fluid. The end portion (27) of the throttle body (22) comprises three parts, wherein the first part (28) and the third part (30) are protrusions and the second part (29) is an indentation.