Particle Dispersion Recirculation System for Milling Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current recirculation systems for dispersing and milling particles in a fluid are inefficient, requiring numerous cycles to achieve the desired particle size, leading to prolonged production time and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves introducing a fluid with particles into a stirring container, stirring, and recirculating it through a mill, with the retrieving position determined to maximize the number of larger particles for milling, ensuring more effective size reduction in each pass by reintroducing the milled fluid into the mixing region, thereby reducing the number of cycles needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the fluid is recirculated through the mill in a conventional manner, then the particles are milled and dispersed, but the average particle size is reduced very slowly requiring many cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of particles based on their size and location. The retrieving position is strategically selected to target regions where larger particles predominate, applying milling action preferentially where needed most rather than treating all particles uniformly throughout the fluid volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by positioning the retrieving means to selectively extract fluid containing larger particles before they can be fully dispersed throughout the mixing region. This preliminary selection ensures that the mill receives feedstock optimized for size reduction, preparing the system for more efficient processing in subsequent cycles.
2Productivity
If the retrieving position is optimized to target larger particles, then the number of cycles is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by allowing the fluid dynamics and particle distribution patterns within the stirring container to naturally guide the optimization of the retrieving position. The system leverages the existing flow patterns and particle segregation that occur during stirring, requiring minimal additional control mechanisms or complex sensing systems to achieve effective particle targeting.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple cycles are used to reduce particle size, then thorough dispersion is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the retrieving position based on the particle size distribution and flow patterns within the stirring container. By varying the retrieval location and depth, the system optimizes the concentration of larger particles fed to the mill, thereby reducing the number of energy-consuming cycles required to achieve the desired particle size uniformity.
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
This approach significantly reduces production time and energy consumption by optimizing the recirculation process, ensuring faster and more efficient particle size reduction in the final product.
Implementation Method 1
stirring the fluid in the stirring container using stirring means positioned at a predetermined stirring position within the stirring container
Implementation Method 2
recirculating the fluid comprising the particles by continuously retrieving an amount of fluid comprising particles from a predetermined retrieving position in the stirring container by using retrieving means
Implementation Method 3
milling the particles in the continuously retrieved fluid using milling means, wherein during each pass through the milling means a size of particles in the retrieved fluid is reduced
Implementation Method 4
continuously reintroducing the retrieved fluid having passed through the milling means to the stirring container at a predetermined reintroduction position using reintroduction means
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a method and a system for dispersing particles in a fluid. The method includes stirring a fluid including particles in a stirring container using stirring means. During stirring the fluid is recirculated by continuously retrieving an amount of fluid from a retrieving position. Further, the particles are milled, where during each pass through the milling means a size of particles in the retrieved fluid is reduced. The retrieved fluid having passed through the milling means is continuously reintroduced into the stirring container at a reintroduction position. The reintroduced fluid is mixed with the fluid in the stirring container in a mixing region defined by the stirring means, and the retrieving position is determined such that the retrieved fluid includes particles with an average particle size differing from the average particle size of particles in the mixing region.