Spatially Controllable Eductor for Uniform Solid Additive Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eductors lack spatial control over the distribution of solid additives, such as pulp fibers, in the cross-machine direction, resulting in non-uniformity of the mixed fluid within the fluid mixing chamber and exiting fluid, due to the inability to create a variable motive fluid with differing pressure, velocity, mass, and flow profiles.
Innovation Solution
A spatially controllable eductor with a non-circular cross-section fluid mixing chamber and multiple independently controllable motive fluid inlets, allowing for the creation of a variable motive fluid that can adjust pressure, velocity, mass, and flow profiles of the mixed fluid, enabling precise control over the distribution of solid additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a known eductor with a single invariable motive fluid inlet is used, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision of solid additives distribution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The single motive fluid inlet is divided into multiple independently controllable motive fluid inlets (first motive fluid inlet and second motive fluid inlet), allowing separate control of fluid flow parameters to achieve uniform distribution of solid additives across different zones of the mixing chamber
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the mixing chamber are provided with locally optimized motive fluid injection characteristics through the segmented inlets, enabling each region to receive appropriately tailored motive fluid parameters for optimal solid additives distribution throughout the entire chamber
2Manufacturing precision
If the eductor housing has a circular cross-section mixing chamber, then the ease of manufacture is high, but the manufacturing precision of CD profile control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber cross-section is changed from a symmetric circular shape to a non-circular shape with asymmetric geometry, enabling differential control of fluid flow characteristics in the cross-machine direction to achieve precise CD profile control of solid additives distribution
3Manufacturing precision
If a single motive fluid inlet is used, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision of mixed fluid parameter control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The motive fluid delivery system is segmented into multiple independent inlet channels, each capable of separate flow rate and pressure control, enabling precise adjustment of mixed fluid parameters (velocity, mass, flow rate) to achieve uniform distribution characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
Each motive fluid inlet is equipped with independent flow control mechanisms that allow separate adjustment of flow parameters (velocity, mass flow rate, pressure), enabling precise control of the mixed fluid characteristics and solid additives distribution pattern
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 allows for the precise control of solid additives' distribution within the eductor and the exiting mixed fluid, achieving a uniform and tailored product, enhancing the capabilities of eductor processes, particularly in fibrous structure making.
Implementation Method 1
eductors are pieces of equipment that are used to continuously mix and/or combine two or more fluids within a fluid mixing chamber defined by an eductor's housing
Implementation Method 2
the distribution of solid additives, especially in the cross-machine direction, present in the entrained fluid cannot be controlled in known eductors
Data Source
AI summary
A spatially controllable, for example CD controllable, eductor, and more particularly an eductor that is capable of providing a variable motive fluid and processes using such an eductor are provided.