Mixer With Multiple Gas Inlets for Homogeneous Water Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixers in water treatment systems, particularly in air and dissolved oxygen flotation processes, fail to achieve high homogeneity of the water/air/oxygen solution, which limits the effectiveness of water oxidation and disinfection in lagoons, rivers, and water courses.

Innovation Solution

A mixer with multiple gas inlets, featuring a concentrical tubular chamber with tangential inlets and outlets, and a paralelepipedal-shaped spread box with micro-perforated lining, allows for the selective and controlled injection of gases (O2, O3, air) into the water flow, ensuring a consistent and homogeneous mixture through external compressors and flow meters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single air inlet is used in the mixing duct, then the device complexity is reduced, but the homogeneity of the water/air/oxygen solution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidhomogeneity of water/air/oxygen solution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The air inlet is divided into multiple separate inlets (first air inlet and second air inlet) positioned at different locations in the mixing duct. Each inlet introduces air at different points along the water flow path, creating multiple mixing zones that collectively achieve more uniform gas distribution throughout the water stream compared to a single inlet configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the mixing duct are provided with different inlet characteristics - the first air inlet is positioned at one location with specific flow characteristics while the second air inlet is positioned at another location with different flow characteristics. This local differentiation ensures that each section of the water flow receives appropriate gas injection, improving overall solution homogeneity without requiring a completely complex system design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple gas inlets are added to the mixing duct, then the homogeneity of the water/gas solution is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneity of water/gas solutionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air inlet is divided into multiple separate inlets (first air inlet and second air inlet) positioned at different locations in the mixing duct. Each inlet introduces air at different points along the water flow path, creating multiple mixing zones that collectively achieve more uniform gas distribution throughout the water stream compared to a single inlet configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the mixing duct are provided with different inlet characteristics - the first air inlet is positioned at one location with specific flow characteristics while the second air inlet is positioned at another location with different flow characteristics. This local differentiation ensures that each section of the water flow receives appropriate gas injection, improving overall solution homogeneity without requiring a completely complex system design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If selective gas injection is implemented, then the adaptability to different water treatment needs is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different water treatment needsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing duct is designed with multiple gas inlets that can accommodate different types of gases (air, oxygen, ozone) through a universal interface. The system can selectively inject different gases based on treatment requirements while maintaining the same basic duct structure, thereby achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for parameter changes in gas composition and flow rates through the multiple inlets. By adjusting which gases are injected and at what rates through the first and second air inlets, the system can adapt to different water treatment needs (oxidation, disinfection, aeration) without requiring fundamentally different equipment configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 mixer ensures high homogeneity of the water/gas solution, optimizing oxidation and disinfection processes by creating a vortex that fully integrates injected gases into the water flow, adapting to the specific needs of different water bodies and enhancing the treatment efficiency in sewage and flotation stations.

Implementation Method 1

the water being treated is solubilized with pressurized air that is launched in the course by means of said ducts... form a vortex along the way said flow is conveyed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

an internal arcuate wall provided with holes onto which a micro-perforated lining is disposed... allows the volume of injected air to be transformed into microparticles of air by being dragged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas dispersion through micro-perforations: Porosity

Implementation Method 3

the air under pressure to be mixed with the water flow passes through said micro-perforated wall and common to the spread box and the mixing duct; wherein said air comes from external compressors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP1968732B1A mixer having multiple gas inlets
Publication Date: 2013.03.27 OLIVEIRA JOAO
  • EP1968732B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1968732B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A mixer having multiple gas inlets of the type consisting of a water discharge chamber (10) composed of two concentrical tubular parts (1 and 2) of the same length but having different diameters, defining an internal discharge chamber having a ring- shaped transversal section in the equipment. The discharge chamber (10) is provided with two tangential points, an upper inlet point (3) for the pressurized water and another lower outlet point (4) for the solubilized water, in such a way that an area (5) for the injection of gases is defined between said points by a spread box (20) provided in its external wall (23) with a plurality of inlets (26, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e) interconnected to reservoirs of gases that pass through external compressors.