Manure Slurry Pumping Rotor Segmentation and Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for mixing and pumping manure slurries from manure pits are inefficient due to time-consuming operations in breaking up crusts and mixing solids with liquids, and often experience clogging issues due to improper flow diversion.
Innovation Solution
A pump unit with three bladed rotors - one for drawing solids downward, another for drawing liquids upward, and a third for redirecting solids away from the pump unit - combined with a flow distribution arrangement that allows direct alignment of the discharge pipe with either drainage or re-circulation pipes, preventing clogging and enhancing mixing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mixing apparatus with opposed impellers is used, then pumping function is provided, but mixing efficiency is low and crust breaking is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing apparatus is segmented into three distinct bladed rotors, each performing a specific function: one rotor draws solids downward, another draws liquids upward, and a third redirects solids away from the pump unit. This segmentation allows each rotor to specialize in a particular aspect of the mixing process, thereby improving overall mixing efficiency and reducing the time required to break up crust and mix contents.
2Adaptability or versatility
If valve-based flow diversion is used, then flow can be directed to drainage or re-circulation pipe, but clogging problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distribution arrangement employs a movable distribution member that can be dynamically repositioned between a first position (connecting to drainage pipe) and a second position (connecting to re-circulation pipe). This dynamic positioning mechanism eliminates the need for valves, thereby preventing clogging while maintaining the ability to selectively direct flow to different pipes.
3Productivity
If solids and liquids are mixed in conventional apparatus, then slurry is formed, but the ratio of solids to liquids is not optimized and mixing is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The three bladed rotors are positioned and configured to create different local flow patterns within the pump unit. The first rotor creates downward flow for solids, the second creates upward flow for liquids, and the third redirects solids. This local differentiation of flow characteristics allows precise control over the solids-to-liquids ratio while accelerating the mixing 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
The solution enables faster and more effective mixing and pumping of manure slurry, reducing clogging risks and improving the ratio of solids to liquids, resulting in a more efficient and quicker formation of a pumpable slurry.
Implementation Method 1
a first bladed rotor projecting from said top face of the pump unit for creating a downward flow of slurry and drawing solids downwardly against the pump unit
Implementation Method 2
a second bladed rotor provided on the bottom face of the pump unit for drawing liquids upwardly from a bottom portion of the manure pit
Implementation Method 3
a third bladed rotor projecting from one of the lateral faces of the pump unit between the top and bottom faces thereof for redirecting a portion of the flow of solids drawn by the first bladed rotor away from the pump unit
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for mixing and pumping manure slurry from a manure pit comprises a pump unit having first and second mixing rotors and a pumping rotor. In operation, the first mixing rotor draws solids downwardly towards the pump unit while the second mixing rotor redirect a portion of the solids drawn by the first mixing rotor away from the pump unit, thereby allowing to control the ration of solid contents in the slurry pumped by the pumping rotor. A non-diverted flow distribution arrangement is also provided for selectively connecting the pump outlet in straight-through flow connection with either a drainage pipe or a re-circulation pipe.