Recirculation Stage for Particle Introduction in Mixing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing technologies face challenges in efficiently introducing powdered particles into a mixture while avoiding plugging and wetting issues of the introduction valve, particularly when high vacuum levels lead to product loss and under-dosing in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device with a recirculation stage in the annular ring between the particle-conveying line and radial mixing openings creates a slight additional under-pressure, facilitating particle introduction and preventing valve wetting, using a rotor-stator assembly with a conveying line emerging at the rotor and equipped with a valve for controlled particle introduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high vacuum level is used to increase particle flow rate, then particle introduction speed is improved, but particles become glued against the upper part of the vat causing cleaning and product loss problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single conveying line into multiple parallel conveying lines (first conveying line and second conveying line), each introducing particles through different paths. This segmentation allows particles to be introduced at multiple locations simultaneously, increasing overall introduction speed without requiring excessively high vacuum levels that cause product loss and glugging.
2Productivity
If particles are introduced by suction into the vat with under-pressure, then particle incorporation is achieved, but the introduction flow rate is limited by the vacuum level and valve characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple parallel conveying lines with separate valves, allowing independent control of particle introduction from different paths. This segmentation provides multiple flow paths that can operate simultaneously, increasing total flow rate while maintaining reliable control through individual valve management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a recirculation line that acts as an intermediary between the conveying lines and the vat. This recirculation line receives particles from the conveying lines and redistributes them through the mixing assembly, ensuring reliable particle incorporation while maintaining flow rate control.
3Productivity
If particles are introduced directly at the heart of the mixing area, then mixing efficiency is improved, but valve plugging and wetting problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation line serves as an intermediary that receives particles from the conveying lines and delivers them to the mixing area. This intermediate step allows particles to be transported to the mixing zone without directly exposing the valves to the high-velocity mixture flow, preventing valve plugging and wetting while maintaining high mixing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts particles from the conveying lines and introduces them into the recirculation line separately from the main mixture flow path. This extraction allows particles to be fed into the mixing area through a different pathway, avoiding direct contact between the valves and the high-velocity mixture that causes plugging and wetting.
4Productivity
If a single conveying line is used for particle introduction, then device complexity is reduced, but particle introduction capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the particle introduction system into multiple parallel conveying lines, each capable of introducing particles independently. This segmentation increases the total particle introduction capacity by providing multiple simultaneous flow paths, while the modular parallel configuration keeps the overall device complexity manageable through standardized repeating units.
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 solution enables effective and homogeneous mixing with a high flow rate, reducing product losses and preventing plugging and wetting of the introduction valve, ensuring precise incorporation of active ingredients.
Implementation Method 1
the particles are introduced by suction into the vat kept, in which an under-pressure is maintained
Implementation Method 2
said recirculation stage comprising at least two axially consecutive rows of radial openings
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing device having at least one rotor supporting mixing blades that is also capable of being rotated. The device further includes an annular ring surrounding the rotor and having at least one axial opening and radial mixing openings associated with the mixing blades so as to allow the passage of the mixture therethrough. At least one particle-conveying line leads to the inside of said ring. The annular ring has a recirculation stage placed between the conveying line and the radial mixing openings and further includes at least two axially consecutive rows of radial openings.