Single-Piece Fluid Mixer With Helical Airfoils for Faster Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid treatment processes, such as iron chelate treatment for oil, are time-consuming and inefficient, often requiring multiple steps and significant time, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A fluid mixer apparatus with a single-piece housing and integrated helical airfoils, featuring perforations and airfoil surface perturbations, induces mixing by leveraging fluid dynamics to enhance interaction and mixing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fluid treatment processes are used, then treatment can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic flow interaction through helical airfoils that create swirling motion and eddies in the fluid stream. The airfoils are positioned to generate continuous turbulence and mixing zones as fluid passes through, transforming static mixing into a dynamic process that achieves homogeneity faster
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by designing the housing and airfoil configuration to leverage fluid pressure and flow velocity itself as the mixing mechanism. The system requires no external mechanical agitators or pumps, using the fluid's own kinetic energy to drive the mixing process through carefully engineered flow paths and airfoil-induced turbulence
2Productivity
If conventional multi-step treatment processes are used, then thorough treatment can be achieved, but intermediate steps and decanting are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple treatment functions into a single integrated housing structure. The helical airfoils, flow path design, and mixing chambers are merged into one compact apparatus that performs mixing, treatment, and separation functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate agitation vessels, decanting steps, and multiple processing stages
Solution Approach 2:
The housing design serves multiple functions: it contains the airfoils, defines flow paths, creates mixing zones, and facilitates separation all within a single structure. The airfoils themselves serve dual purposes of generating turbulence for mixing and creating flow patterns that aid in subsequent separation, making the apparatus versatile and eliminating intermediate equipment
3Device complexity
If traditional mixing apparatus are used, then mixing can be performed, but the apparatus is complex and requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as a modular assembly with distinct sections for fluid intake, airfoil mounting, and outlet, allowing for simplified manufacturing of individual components that can be assembled together. This segmentation enables each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical mixing mechanisms with moving parts, the invention inverts the approach by using stationary airfoils that rely on fluid flow to generate mixing action. This eliminates the need for motors, shafts, and other complex mechanical components, greatly simplifying manufacturing and maintenance
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 reduces mixing time and distance, eliminates intermediate steps, and improves efficiency by enabling in-situ mixing of fluids during transport, reducing costs and enhancing fluid homogeneity.
Implementation Method 1
Each helical airfoil of the plurality of helical airfoils can include a plurality of perforations in fluid communication with the inner chamber to introduce the second fluid into the first fluid
Implementation Method 2
when the first fluid flows over the airfoil surface perturbation, the first fluid forms an eddie and the second fluid is drawn out from the plurality of perforations to interact with the first fluid
Implementation Method 3
the interaction of the first fluid and the second fluid are that can induce Von-Karman effects or wave vortices
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid mixer apparatus can include: a single-piece housing defining a fluid flow path configured for a first fluid through the single-piece housing; a fluid inlet defining on an exterior surface of the single-piece housing, the fluid inlet configured to receive a second fluid different from the first fluid; an inner chamber circumferentially defined inside the single-piece housing, the inner chamber configured to receive the second fluid from the first inlet; a central hub; and a plurality of helical airfoils coupled to an interior surface of the single-piece housing and the central hub, the plurality of helical airfoils being in fluid communication with the inner chamber. Each helical airfoil can include: a plurality of perforations in fluid communication with the inner chamber to introduce the second fluid into the first fluid; and an airfoil surface perturbation positioned adjacent to or rearward of the plurality of perforations.