Mammoth Pump Mixing Device with Segmented Conical Flow Channel

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixing devices based on the mammoth pump principle are prone to clogging, are space-intensive, and have high manufacturing, installation, and operating costs, particularly due to their complex structure and susceptibility to sedimentation.

Innovation Solution

A two-part mixing device with a waveguide-like base body featuring a funnel-shaped inlet area and a tubular section, where the base body is designed to be detachable and conical in shape, allowing for efficient gas flow and reduced friction losses, and incorporating a fluid guide device for enhanced mixing and suction effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a plate-shaped inlet, distribution pipes, and partition wall are used to enable separation of lime and iron sulfate, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes highly prone to clogging and space-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing effectivenessVSAvoidclogging resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing device is divided into two independent parts: a funnel-shaped inlet area and a tubular section. This segmentation allows each part to have optimized geometry for its specific function while reducing overall complexity and clogging risk in the flow channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inlet area is designed with a funnel shape and the tubular section has a conical form with specific inclination angles. These curved, tapered geometries prevent sediment accumulation and facilitate smooth flow transitions, significantly reducing clogging compared to plate-shaped structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Productivity

If a complex structure with multiple components is used to achieve separation and mixing functions, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device consists of only two main components (inlet area and tubular section) that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. This minimal segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and installation requirements while maintaining effective mixing and separation functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two-part structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the funnel-shaped inlet area performs both suction and initial mixing, while the tubular section provides both flow guidance and separation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated components for each function.

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

3Productivity

If a vertical mammoth pump structure is used for fluid circulation, then circulation effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes space-intensive and difficult to transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecirculation effectivenessVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing the device into two compact, detachable parts reduces the overall volume and allows for easier transportation and storage compared to a single large vertical structure, while maintaining the vertical circulation function when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4374954A1Mixing device and use
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 NWT OG
  • EP4374954A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4374954A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4374954A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The invention relates to a mixing device (7) operating on the principle of a mammoth pump for circulating a fluid (W) in a fluid container (S) filled with the fluid from a first level (H9) to a second level (H10), comprising a hollow-conductor-like base body extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and forming a flow channel (15), with a lateral surface (M) comprising an inlet (9) located at a lower end for drawing in the fluid and an outlet (10) located at an upper end for discharging the fluid (W), as well as a gas outlet (5S) located between them for injecting a gas to generate suction at the inlet (9), wherein the inlet (9) is arranged in a funnel-shaped inlet region (7B), the outlet (10) is arranged in a tubular section (7A), and the funnel-shaped inlet region (7B) and the tubular section (7A) form the flow channel (15) train.Known mixing devices of this kind are insufficient in their effect, prone to clogging, and difficult to transport and assemble. The objective of providing a mixing device that avoids some disadvantages of the prior art, is resource-efficient, and ensures better assembly is achieved by a base body that is designed in two parts, such that the inlet area (7B) and the tubular section (7A) each form an independent component, which are connected to each other to form the base body, wherein the tubular section (7A) is a mixing device (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular section (7A) is designed as a conical section with an obliquely tapered outer surface, in particular with an inclination (α) to the vertical between 1:0.005 and 1:0.05.