Multi-Chamber Manifold Vortex Mixing for Fluid Homogeneity

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional manifold designs fail to ensure thorough mixing and distribution of fluids, particularly in oil and gas operations, as fluids injected through outermost inlets often do not reach the corresponding outlets on the opposite side, leading to inefficient fluid mixing and distribution.

Innovation Solution

A multi-chamber manifold system with a vortex chamber and secondary mixing chamber, featuring angled inlet nozzles that induce a vortex for thorough mixing, combined with baffle plates to guide the fluid flow and enhance mixing quality, ensuring a homogeneous blend is achieved before distribution through outlets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a conventional manifold design with linear array inlets and outlets is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fluid mixing and distribution effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanifold structure simplicityVSAvoidfluid mixing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold is divided into multiple chambers (first mixing chamber, second mixing chamber, third mixing chamber) separated by partition walls. Each chamber handles fluid flow independently, allowing complex mixing functionality while maintaining a modular structure that is relatively easy to manufacture. The segmentation enables fluids from different inlets to be mixed thoroughly before reaching outlets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces three-dimensional flow paths with vertical partitions and multiple elevation levels within the manifold chambers. Fluids travel through complex three-dimensional routes involving upward and downward flows between chambers, rather than simple linear horizontal flow. This dimensional complexity enhances mixing effectiveness while the modular chamber design keeps manufacturing feasible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If fluids are injected through outermost inlets in a linear array, then the injection system is simple, but the fluids do not reach the corresponding outlets on the opposite side effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinlet configuration simplicityVSAvoidfluid distribution efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold is divided into multiple chambers (first mixing chamber, second mixing chamber, third mixing chamber) separated by partition walls. Each chamber handles fluid flow independently, allowing complex mixing functionality while maintaining a modular structure that is relatively easy to manufacture. The segmentation enables fluids from different inlets to be mixed thoroughly before reaching outlets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition walls and internal flow paths act as intermediaries that redirect fluid flow from outermost inlets through multiple chambers and flow paths before delivering fluids to outlets on the opposite side. This intermediary flow path ensures that fluids from any inlet reach the appropriate outlets through thorough mixing, maintaining operational simplicity while improving distribution efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single-chamber mixing system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the mixing quality and homogeneity of the fluid blend is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechamber configuration simplicityVSAvoidfluid blend homogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold is divided into multiple chambers (first mixing chamber, second mixing chamber, third mixing chamber) separated by partition walls. Each chamber handles fluid flow independently, allowing complex mixing functionality while maintaining a modular structure that is relatively easy to manufacture. The segmentation enables fluids from different inlets to be mixed thoroughly before reaching outlets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces three-dimensional flow paths with vertical partitions and multiple elevation levels within the manifold chambers. Fluids travel through complex three-dimensional routes involving upward and downward flows between chambers, rather than simple linear horizontal flow. This dimensional complexity enhances mixing effectiveness while the modular chamber design keeps manufacturing feasible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 multi-chamber manifold effectively mixes and distributes fluids, ensuring that all injected fluids are thoroughly mixed and evenly distributed among outlets, addressing the inefficiencies of conventional designs and providing a homogeneous fluid blend for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

angled inlet nozzles that induce a vortex for thorough mixing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

baffle plates to guide the fluid flow and enhance mixing quality

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentUS9884300B2Multi chamber mixing manifold

Publication Date: 2018.02.06 TETRA TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

One or more embodiments relate to systems and methods for mixing of two or more fluids using a multi-chamber manifold. One or more embodiments relate to optimal mixing.