Mixing Device Curved Flow Paths Oxygen Microbubble Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing devices face inefficiencies due to tortuous flow paths and friction, leading to pressure differentials and reduced mixing efficiency, particularly in the interaction between a rotor and stator in mixing chambers.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device design featuring a rotor and stator with optimized through-holes and apertures that impart circumferential velocity to materials before and after entering the mixing chamber, reducing friction and pressure drop by using internal pumps powered by a common drive shaft, and enhancing mixing through micro-cavitation and electrokinetic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If host material travels in tortuous directions and negotiates right angles to enter and exit the mixing chamber, then mixing can occur, but friction and pressure differential increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces tortuous flow paths with right angles with smooth curved transitions. The housing includes a first curved surface that guides host material from the first inlet port to the mixing chamber inlet, and a second curved surface that guides mixed material from the mixing chamber outlet to the second outlet port. These curved surfaces eliminate sudden direction changes and reduce frictional losses while maintaining effective mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent imparts circumferential velocity to the host material before it enters the mixing chamber through the first curved surface, and imparts circumferential velocity to the mixed material after it exits the mixing chamber through the second curved surface. This preliminary action prepares the material for efficient mixing and reduces the energy required during the mixing process by pre-establishing appropriate flow patterns.
2Productivity
If rotor and stator impart circumferential flow to material, then mixing is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of flow conditioning, mixing enhancement, and material acceleration into integrated structures. The rotor includes both curved flow-conditioning surfaces and circumferential flow-imparting features, while the stator includes corresponding integrated elements. This merging reduces the number of separate components while achieving multiple functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor and stator are designed as multi-functional components that simultaneously condition flow, impart circumferential velocity, and enhance mixing. The curved surfaces serve both as flow guides and as means for imparting rotational motion, eliminating the need for separate flow conditioners and mixers.
3Ease of operation
If multiple right angles are negotiated in the flow path, then material can be directed through the system, but flow resistance and friction increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces all sharp right-angle transitions with smooth curved surfaces. The housing includes first and second curved surfaces that guide material flow with gradual transitions, eliminating sudden direction changes that cause friction and flow resistance. These curved surfaces maintain precise flow direction control while substantially reducing energy losses.
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 design achieves improved mixing efficiency with reduced pressure drop, increased dwell time, and enhanced electrokinetic effects, resulting in higher oxygen infusion rates and stable dissolved oxygen levels in output materials.
Implementation Method 1
Hydrodynamic cavitation is a process by which a liquid is rapidly pressurized and then rapidly depressurized, creating a vacuum that draws dissolved gases out of the liquid and forms microbubbles
Implementation Method 2
electrokinetically altered oxygenated aqueous fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
An oxygenated ionic aqueous fluid composition comprising oxygen-containing microbubbles predominantly having an average diameter of less than 100 nanometers. The oxygen is present in an amount of at least 15 ppm at atmospheric pressure.The fluids can be suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications, as well as for bioreactor systems.