Rotary Pump Outlet Segmentation for Fluid Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary pumps and mixers in industrial processes, such as those used in the semiconductor industry, face challenges with fluid mixing due to the formation of stable vortices, which impede thorough mixing, and are often complex, inflexible, and costly to maintain, especially when dealing with suspensions that tend to separate or agglomerate.
Innovation Solution
A rotary pump with a closed pump housing and outlet openings directly into the storage container, which ensures constant pressure and thorough mixing by dispensing fluid directly into the container, preventing vortex formation and allowing for flexible adaptation to different fluids and mixing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a recirculation pump is used to circulate fluid in a storage container, then fluid circulation is achieved, but the mixing is too weak and irregular to guarantee adequate movement everywhere in the container
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing is segmented with multiple outlet openings distributed at different positions, allowing the fluid flow to be divided into multiple streams that reach different regions of the storage container simultaneously, thereby improving mixing adequacy while maintaining circulation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet openings are arranged in three-dimensional space at different positions and orientations, transforming the single-point outlet into a distributed spatial network that creates multi-directional flow patterns throughout the container volume, enhancing mixing effectiveness
2Stress or pressure
If pressure medium is used to generate overpressure in the storage container, then pumping pressure is controlled, but the apparatus becomes gas-tight and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control function is extracted from the storage container system and integrated into the pump housing itself through the outlet opening design, eliminating the need for separate gas-tight sealing systems while maintaining pumping pressure control
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing structure itself serves the dual function of both pumping and pressure control through its outlet opening configuration, allowing the system to self-regulate pressure without requiring external gas-tight sealing mechanisms
3Reliability
If vanes are added to ensure adequate mixing, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but the apparatus becomes more complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing function is merged with the pump housing structure itself through the strategically positioned outlet openings, eliminating the need for separate mixing components like vanes while achieving adequate mixing through the pump's own operational characteristics
4Stress or pressure
If a closed pump housing is used, then constant pressure is achieved, but vortex formation impedes thorough mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The single outlet is segmented into multiple outlet openings that distribute flow to different locations in the storage container, preventing the formation of a single large vortex while maintaining the pressure-stabilizing effect of the closed pump housing
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the storage container receive fluid flow at different locations and orientations through the distributed outlet openings, creating locally varied flow patterns that disrupt vortex formation while maintaining overall pressure stability
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 design achieves consistent and efficient mixing of suspensions, including those with fine particles, by eliminating stable eddies and allowing for independent control of mixing and pumping processes, enhancing fluid distribution and adaptability without the need for complex vanes or external circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary pump (1), including a rotor (3) arranged in a closed pump housing (2), the rotor (3) being in operative connection with a drive for the pumping of a fluid (4)
Implementation Method 2
the rotor (3) being in operative connection with a drive for the pumping of a fluid (4)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotary pump (1) including a rotor (3) arranged in a closed pump housing (2) which is in operative connection with a drive (5) for the pumping of a fluid (4), wherein an inlet opening (6) is provided at the pump housing (2) for the intake of the fluid (4) into the pump housing (2) and an outlet opening (7) is provided at the pump housing (2) for conveying the fluid (4) out of the pump housing into a storage container (8) which is at least partially filled with the fluid (4). In accordance with the invention the outlet opening (7) is arranged and designed at the pump housing in such a way that the fluid (4) can be conveyed out of the pump housing (2) through the outlet opening (7) to the storage container (8) directly and free of ducting. The invention further relates to a hydrodynamic mixer (100) with a rotary pump (1) in accordance with the invention and also to the use of the rotary pump (1) and of the hydrodynamic mixer (100) for the processing of a fluid (4).