Logarithmic Spiral Mixing Device for Sludge Floc Agglomeration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sludge treatment systems face inefficiencies in mixing flocculation agents with sludge, leading to inadequate generation and separation of flocs, which hinders effective sludge treatment.

Innovation Solution

A mixture device that generates a whirlwind within a mixer to ensure intimate mixing of flocculation agents and sludge, utilizing a conical design and radial dawns to enhance agglomeration and separation of flocs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If flocculant is injected directly into the sludge tank, then the injection process is simple, but mixing is not done properly and floc generation is not effective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjection process simplicityVSAvoidfloc generation effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A dedicated mixing chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the flocculant injection point and the sludge tank. This chamber provides a controlled environment with specific flow patterns (whirlpool effect) that enable effective mixing and floc generation, resolving the contradiction by adding a functional intermediary rather than directly injecting into the tank

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing process is segmented into distinct functional zones: an injection zone, a mixing chamber with whirlpool flow, and a discharge zone. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally - injection, mixing, and discharge - thereby achieving effective floc generation while maintaining process simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If conventional mixing is used, then the device structure is simple, but intimate mixing of flocculation agent and sludge is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing device structureVSAvoidmixing homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing device utilizes hydraulic principles to generate a whirlpool flow pattern within the mixing chamber. The tangential inlet configuration creates rotational flow that enhances mixing through fluid dynamic forces rather than mechanical components, achieving intimate mixing with relatively simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing chamber is designed with a conical configuration that promotes rotational flow and centrifugal forces. The curved geometry of the chamber and inlet vanes creates the whirlpool effect that enhances mixing homogeneity while maintaining a simple conical structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Device complexity

If no vortex generation is used, then the mixing device is simple, but agglomeration of flocs is not promoted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing device structureVSAvoidfloc agglomeration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing device creates dynamic whirlpool flow conditions within the mixing chamber, transforming static mixing into dynamic rotational flow. This dynamic flow pattern continuously moves particles through different flow velocities and directions, promoting collision and agglomeration of flocs while maintaining a relatively simple conical chamber structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device achieves improved agglomeration and separation of flocs, facilitating more effective sludge treatment and water recycling by ensuring a homogeneous mixture of flocculation agents and sludge.

Implementation Method 1

A mixture device that generates a whirlwind within a mixer to ensure intimate mixing of flocculation agents and sludge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentEP4545173A1Mixing device, in particular for a sludge treatment system
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 TONI KÜPFER SA
  • EP4545173A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4545173A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4545173A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mixing device for a liquid solution having a longitudinal axis (X) comprising a first part (A) and a second part (B) connected to each other, the first part (A) comprising a housing including a side wall, a first end wall and a second end wall, the side wall having the shape of a logarithmic spiral, a feed orifice (106) in the side wall, a central orifice in one of the end walls through which the first part (A) is connected to the second part (B), in which the second part (B) has the shape of a tube with longitudinal axis (X) connected by a first longitudinal end (X) to the central connection orifice (110) and comprising a second longitudinal end including the discharge orifice (118) in which the first end wall has an extension along the longitudinal axis (X) and extending into the second part,featuring a free end shaped like a teardrop.