Mobile Submersible Mixer Vertical Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Static water mixing in tanks and pits leads to stratification, resulting in inconsistent water quality and elevated bacteria levels, with transfer pump mixing often causing 'short circuiting' and creating horizontal or vertical zones.
Innovation Solution
A mobile submersible mixer with a chassis, mixing jets, an aeration system, and real-time sampling, designed to provide vertical and horizontal mixing, featuring a collapsible framework, various mixing jet types, and buoyant tires for effective fluid mixing and homogenization in pits or tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transfer pump mixing is used to turn pits, then water circulation is improved, but short circuiting occurs creating horizontal or lateral zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal transfer pump mixing to vertical submersible mixing. The mixing apparatus introduces vertical mixing action through submersible mixers that agitate water in the vertical dimension, eliminating the short-circuiting effect of horizontal transfer pumps while achieving comprehensive water circulation and uniformity throughout the pit depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the transfer pump mechanical system with a submersible mixing system. Instead of using pumps to move water horizontally between locations, the invention uses submersible mixers with impellers oragitators that create vertical and radial mixing patterns, eliminating the short-circuiting problem inherent in the pump-based system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If static water is left unmixed in pits, then energy consumption is reduced, but stratification occurs leading to inconsistent water quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mixing system with submersible mixers that can be activated as needed. The system transitions from a static unmixed state to a dynamically mixed state only when mixing is required, allowing energy-efficient operation while maintaining water quality consistency through on-demand vertical mixing action.
3Strength
If mixing jets are mounted on a solid framework, then structural strength is improved, but fluid flow obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an open framework construction with tubular members that allow fluid to pass through. The framework provides structural support for mounting mixing jets while its open, porous-like structure minimizes obstruction to water flow, enabling comprehensive mixing coverage throughout the pit volume.
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
Achieves consistent water quality by reducing bacteria, sulfides, ferrous iron, and tannins, ensuring homogeneity and preventing bacterial growth, facilitating recycling of produced water for industrial processes like hydraulic fracturing.
Implementation Method 1
The mixing jet (or jets) can be of a variety of types. In one embodiment, the mixing jet is a tripod-mounted horizontal impeller that spins at high rates to provide mixing.
Implementation Method 2
Similarly, an aeration system may be attached to the chassis or frame to introduce air (or other gas) in and around the mixing jets for aeration and treatment of the produced fluid.
Implementation Method 3
The tires may be solid, or inflated with air or gas. The mixer may be moved from location to location within the pit or tank, as desired.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile submersible mixer comprising a mobile platform, frame or chassis with a plurality of wheels, with one or more mixing jets or systems mounted thereon. The apparatus also may comprise an aeration system and real-time sampling system. The apparatus is introduced into a pit or tank, typically by rolling the mixer down a ramp into the pit or tank.