Nozzle Diverging Section for Particle Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixers, such as the jet mixer described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,833,718, are limited in their ability to effectively mix particles across a wide range of flow rates and types of fluids and particles, necessitating an improvement in mixing efficiency and versatility.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus comprises a flow divider separating fluid into two streams, which collide in a collision zone, with nozzles featuring a converging and diverging section to enhance shear and particle dispersion, and a method to adjust flow rates based on differential pressure measurements to optimize mixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional jet mixers are used to mix particles in fluid, then mixing is achieved in shear zones, but the mixer is limited in capability to effectively mix particles at a wider range of flow rates and fluid types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to mix particles at wider range of flow rates and fluid typesVSAvoidmixing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the nozzle, specifically introducing a diverging section after the orifice. This modifies the fluid velocity and pressure drop characteristics, enabling effective mixing across a wider range of flow rates and fluid types while maintaining reliable particle dispersion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The diverging section in the nozzle creates a dynamic relationship between fluid velocity and pressure drop. This dynamic design allows the mixer to adapt to varying flow conditions and fluid properties, improving versatility without sacrificing mixing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fluid streams are directed at right angles in a mixing zone, then high shear mixing is accomplished, but the mixer cannot efficiently mix a greater variety of fluid types and particle types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency to mix greater variety of fluid types and particle typesVSAvoidmixing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the nozzle geometry by adding a diverging section that changes the fluid parameters (velocity and pressure) before collision. This enables the right-angle collision design to work efficiently with a broader range of fluid and particle types while maintaining high mixing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The diverging section design makes the mixer more universal, allowing it to handle various fluid types (including viscous fluids) and particle types effectively. The modified nozzle geometry provides multi-functionality across different application scenarios without reducing productivity

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

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 apparatus achieves improved particle dispersion and mixing efficiency across various fluid and particle types by utilizing the collision zone and adjustable flow rates, enhancing the mixing process beyond the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

The diverging section is advantageous in that it gives a relation between a fluid velocity and a pressure drop that appears to improve the dispersing of particles in the fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure drop: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

The mixing is performed in one or more stages and is typically effect in one or more shearing zones where fluid undergoes 'shear'

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShear: Shear Stress

Implementation Method 3

a branch joining section for receiving the first and second fluid streams from the first and second fluid branches, the branch joining section having a collision zone for allowing the first and second fluid streams to collide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollision: Impact Force

Implementation Method 4

The mixing principle is based on forming a shear zone at the confluence of opposing streams of a mixture of fluid and particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShear zone formation: Shear Stress

Data Source

PatentUS9950328B2Apparatus for dispersing particles in a fluid
Publication Date: 2018.04.24 VORTEX VENTURES (TEXAS) LLC
  • US9950328B2 patent drawing
  • US9950328B2 patent drawing
  • US9950328B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for dispersing particles in a fluid, comprising: a flow divider for receiving the fluid and for separating the fluid into a first fluid stream and a second fluid stream; first and second fluid branches for receiving the fluid streams; a branch joining section for receiving the fluid streams, the branch joining section having a collision zone for allowing the first and second fluid streams to collide; a first nozzle that is arranged in the first fluid branch; and a second nozzle is arranged in the second fluid branch, the first nozzle comprising an orifice that is followed by a fluid diverging section.