Mixer Structure for Consistency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the paper and pulp industry, existing methods for measuring stock properties require large and expensive sample processing systems due to the need for dilution, which increases costs and environmental impact, and can lead to measurement errors and clogging issues with high-consistency samples.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement that uses a small, simple measuring device with a pre-processing unit and mixer structure to accurately and rapidly control sample consistency by adjusting the flow of dilution liquid, allowing for precise consistency reduction and efficient sample analysis without excessive dilution liquid usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large sample processing system is used to handle adequate amounts of undiluted sample, then measurement representativity is improved, but system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sample processing system is divided into multiple mixing zones along the flow path, with each zone providing a stage of dilution and homogenization. This segmentation allows the system to achieve representative sampling with a compact footprint by processing the sample in distributed stages rather than requiring a single large mixing chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a vertical or horizontal expansion approach to a flow-path based approach, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of fluid flow to distribute mixing stages. The sample is processed along the flow direction, allowing multiple mixing operations to occur in sequence within a compact arrangement, effectively using the flow dimension to reduce spatial complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If excessive dilution liquid is used to dilute the sample, then sample homogeneity is improved, but costs and environmental load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates consistency measurement and control that monitors the dilution process and adjusts the dilution liquid flow rate accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that sufficient dilution is achieved for homogeneity while preventing excessive dilution liquid usage, optimizing the balance between sample homogeneity and dilution liquid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies just enough dilution liquid to achieve the required level of homogeneity and prevent clogging, avoiding excessive dilution. The multi-stage mixing approach ensures that each portion of dilution liquid contributes effectively to homogenization, maximizing the utility of the dilution liquid and minimizing waste.
3Device complexity
If the flow of dilution liquid is kept small to avoid system slowness, then system compactness is maintained, but analysis time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mixing and homogenization of the sample in the initial stages of the flow path, before the sample reaches the measurement point. This preliminary action ensures that the sample is adequately prepared in advance, allowing for rapid analysis without requiring high dilution liquid flow rates, thus maintaining system compactness while minimizing analysis time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous flow and mixing throughout the sample processing path, ensuring that homogenization is ongoing as the sample progresses through the various mixing zones. This continuous action eliminates idle time and ensures that the sample is consistently prepared, reducing total analysis time without requiring increased flow rates or larger system size.
4Loss of substance
If high consistency sample is measured directly, then dilution liquid usage is reduced, but measuring device clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary amount of dilution liquid required to prevent clogging and achieve minimal homogeneity, rather than using excessive dilution. The targeted dilution approach removes just enough liquid to maintain reliable device operation, minimizing dilution liquid usage while preventing clogging issues.
5Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are carried out at different consistencies, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample processing system is designed to handle multiple measurement requirements through a single integrated flow path that provides progressive dilution. The same system can accommodate measurements at different consistencies by adjusting operating parameters, eliminating the need for separate processing systems for each measurement type and reducing overall system complexity.
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 approach enables precise control of sample consistency, reduces the need for dilution liquid, and shortens analysis time, while maintaining measurement accuracy and reducing environmental impact and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a mixer structure (106) downstream of the pre-processing unit (104), wherein the mixer structure (106) is arranged to mix the flowing sample and the dilution liquid with each other
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A measuring device comprising at least one mixer structure (106) to receive a fibre suspension sample from at least one process part. Each mixer structure (106) is provided with a measuring unit, a feeding valve (208) for feeding feed liquid into a sample line (210) for pushing the sample in the sample line towards the measuring unit, a mixing valve structure (202) for feeding dilution liquid into the mixer structure (106) The mixer structure (106) mixes the flowing sample and the dilution liquid with one another in order to reduce the consistency of the sample. The measuring device measures from the first part of the mixed sample one property of the fibre suspension and the measuring device measures from the second part of the mixed sample a further property.