Stirrer Design for Homogenizing Viscous Glass Melts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stirring systems for molten glass face challenges in achieving homogeneous mixing due to the high viscosity of glass, which requires significant energy input and often results in incomplete mixing, as the flow behavior is dominated by laminar flow, limiting the effectiveness of mixing operations.
Innovation Solution
A stirring system with a cylindrical or conical stirring vessel featuring baffles that increase the surface area and direct the liquid towards the center, ensuring the stirrer acts on the entire volume, combined with a stirrer design that narrows away from the shaft, allowing for improved shearing and kneading of the glass, thereby enhancing mixing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional stirring systems are used for molten glass, then the stirring operation can be performed, but homogeneous mixing is difficult to achieve due to high viscosity and laminar flow dominance
Solution Approach 1:
The stirring system is segmented into multiple functional elements: the stirrer with radially extending stirring elements, baffles extending from the vessel wall, and constrictions formed between these components. This segmentation creates multiple interaction zones that enhance mixing effectiveness by breaking the glass melt into smaller flow paths and increasing shear areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The stirring elements and baffles are designed with specific local geometries optimized for their positions. The stirring elements have contours that narrow away from the shaft, creating localized high-shear zones. Baffles are positioned at specific locations around the vessel circumference to create localized flow patterns that complement the overall mixing action.
2Power
If high energy input is applied to stir the viscous glass melt, then mixing intensity increases, but the flow behavior remains dominated by laminar flow limiting effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The stirring elements feature curved contours that narrow away from the shaft, creating streamlined flow paths that reduce turbulence while maintaining effective shear. The conical or frustoconical shape of stirring elements optimizes the flow of viscous glass melt through the constrictions, enhancing mixing without requiring excessive energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffles act as intermediaries between the stirrer and the vessel wall, directing the glass melt flow through constrictions and creating additional shear zones. These baffles mediate the flow pattern to ensure the entire volume of glass melt is effectively mixed, converting the rotational motion into productive mixing action throughout the vessel.
3Ease of manufacture
If the stirrer design is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but the ability to shear and knead the glass effectively is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stirring elements are designed to perform multiple functions with a single geometric form. The contoured shape that narrows away from the shaft simultaneously provides structural strength, creates effective shear zones, directs flow through constrictions, and maintains appropriate clearance from baffles. This universal design approach achieves complex mixing requirements without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The stirring elements are positioned and dimensioned to nest within the space defined by the baffles and vessel wall. The contours of stirring elements are designed to clear the baffles during rotation while maintaining close proximity to create effective mixing action. This nested arrangement optimizes the use of available space for mixing without requiring complex external structures.
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 design ensures improved shearing and kneading of the glass, leading to more effective homogenization and heat transfer, achieving a uniform composition throughout the vessel by directing the molten glass through constrictions created by the baffles and stirrer elements, thus overcoming the limitations of laminar flow behavior.
Implementation Method 1
the flow behavior is dominated by laminar flow, limiting the effectiveness of mixing operations
Implementation Method 2
leading to more effective homogenization and heat transfer, achieving a uniform composition throughout the vessel by directing the molten glass through constrictions created by the baffles and stirrer elements
Implementation Method 3
Heat transfer, the exchange of heat between the material being mixed and the surrounding medium through the wall of the mixer possibly takes place
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1E
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a stirring system for molten glass and to a stirring vessel (1) and a stirrer (3). In this case, the stirrer (3) has a shaft (30) and at least one stirring member (4). The stirring member (4) is formed in such a way that the stirrer (3) can be introduced into the stirring vessel (1) by at least one axial or translatory relative movement of the stirrer (3) in relation to the stirring vessel (1), at least one subsequent or simultaneous relative rotation of the stirrer (3) in relation to the stirring vessel (1) and a further axial or translatory relative movement of the stirrer (3) in relation to the stirring vessel (1). In this case it is possible in the operating state for the stirrer (3) to be rotated in the stirring vessel (1). Furthermore the stirring vessel (1) comprises at least two buffles (2) extending from the inner cirumferential surface (10) stirring system and method for homogenizing glass melts