Isolated Aqueous Weir Box Mixer Settler Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mixer settlers face challenges with cumbersome and complex adjustable aqueous weirs, which hinder rapid and precise control of separation processes, lead to air entrainment, and increase maintenance complexity, while also being costly and difficult to install.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an isolated aqueous weir box with an adjustable weir that can be controlled at a single point, utilizing a launder system with perforations or slits to minimize air entrainment and facilitate easier maintenance, and can be retrofitted into existing setups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the width of the settling tank is increased to determine total capacity, then the capacity of the mixer settler is improved, but the complexity and size of the adjustable aqueous weir increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable aqueous weir is segmented into multiple independent sections, each adjustable at discrete locations along the width of the settling tank. This allows the total capacity to be maintained through width while reducing the complexity of any single weir section and enabling modular adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single continuous adjustable weir spanning the entire width to multiple discrete adjustment points distributed across the width. This dimensional redistribution maintains the overall capacity while simplifying individual adjustment operations and reducing weir complexity at any one location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete adjustment points are provided along the width of the settling tank, then the adjustability of the aqueous weir is improved, but the difficulty of making simple, fast, fine-tuned adjustments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into discrete, independently controllable points along the width of the settling tank. Each point can be adjusted separately, allowing operators to make targeted, fine-tuned adjustments at specific locations without affecting the entire weir system, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If conventional organic and aqueous weirs are used, then the separation process is maintained, but air entrainment and formation of undesirable impurities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weir structure incorporates localized modifications at specific locations along the width of the settling tank, creating optimized flow paths and reduced turbulence zones. These local quality changes minimize air entrainment and impurity formation while maintaining the overall effectiveness of the separation process.
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 solution enables rapid, precise control of separation processes, reduces air entrainment, simplifies maintenance, and decreases capital and installation costs by allowing for a smaller footprint and simpler fabrication.
Implementation Method 1
mixing two immiscible fluids (e.g., an organic phase and an aqueous phase) to create an dispersion which facilitates mass transfer
Implementation Method 2
A second quiescent settling stage allows the two phases to separate from their suspended state—according to their density
Implementation Method 3
A fixed organic overflow weir extends across the entire width of the settling tank and serves to 'skim' the very top of the lighter organic phase
Implementation Method 4
An adjustable aqueous weir also extends across the entire width of the settling tank to collect the heavier aqueous phase
Data Source
AI summary
A mixer settler [1] comprises a settling tank [30], an organic launder [40] provided within the settling tank [30], an aqueous launder [50] provided within the settling tank [30], and an isolated aqueous weir box [70] which is positioned internally or externally relative to an outer profile of the mixer settler [1], the isolated aqueous weir box [70] being at least partially operatively isolated from the settling tank [30] by the aqueous launder [50]. The isolated aqueous weir box [70] comprises an adjustable weir [76] which separates a recycle chamber [72] from an advance chamber [74] therein. The organic launder [40] is operably connected to an organic advance effluent pipe [80], and the aqueous launder [50] is operably connected to the isolated aqueous weir box [70]. The organic launder [40] may be operably connected to an isolated organic weir box [60] which is separate from the isolated aqueous weir box [70], and may further comprise an adjustable weir [66] which separates a collection chamber [62] from an advance chamber [64]. Also disclosed, is a kit for modifying or fabricating a mixer settler [1], as well as a solvent extraction process.