Tangential Feedwell Dilution for Slurry Mixing Energy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thickening apparatuses for mineral slurries suffer from inefficient mixing of dilute liquid and slurry feed in the feedwell, leading to suboptimal flocculation and settling rates due to misalignment of flow directions, resulting in reduced mixing energy and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A thickening apparatus with a feedwell design that includes a tangentially arranged dilute liquid conduit parallel to the feed slurry conduit, with inflow apertures in the feedwell wall for recirculating dilute liquid, ensuring both flows are in the same direction and maximizing mixing energy within the feedwell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If dilute liquid is recirculated into the feedwell through radial entry, then dilution of slurry is achieved, but mixing energy is lost due to flow direction misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional radial entry configuration by implementing tangential entry for the dilute liquid conduit. This reversal of the flow direction arrangement allows the dilute liquid to enter in the same direction as the slurry feed, eliminating the energy loss associated with directional changes and improving mixing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from radial entry (one-dimensional approach) to tangential entry (introducing directional alignment in another dimension). By changing the dimensional approach of flow entry, the system achieves better flow alignment and maximizes mixing energy without compromising dilution effectiveness.
2Productivity
If slurry feed is fed tangentially into the feedwell, then mixing is promoted, but maximum mixing effect is not achieved due to conflicting flow directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow directions of the slurry feed and dilute liquid by having both enter tangentially in the same direction. This combination of flow streams in alignment maximizes the mixing effect and eliminates energy loss from directional conflicts, achieving optimal mixing efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If pumps and fluid lines are installed to recirculate overflow liquor, then dilution is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service recirculation system where the feedwell design itself enables dilute liquid recirculation through tangential entry apertures. This eliminates the need for external pumps, fluid lines, and valves, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective dilution and recirculation functionality.
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 configuration enhances the mixing and flocculation efficiency inside the feedwell, allowing for better dilution and distribution of the slurry feed, leading to improved settling rates and overall thickening process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
mixing and flocculation efficiency inside the feedwell
Implementation Method 2
The flocculant is added into the feed in order to agglomerate the suspended particles of the slurry
Implementation Method 3
The idea in flocculation is to bind solid particles together to assist the gravity based separation process
Implementation Method 4
In the tank the suspended particles form a thickened mud on the bottom of the tank. The thickened material settles to the bottom of the thickener tank
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for thickening liquids carrying suspended particles, such as a slurry containing minerals. The thickening apparatus comprises a tank (2), a feedwell (4), which includes a chamber having an inlet for receiving feed slurry (9) and an outlet in fluid communication with the tank and means for distributing the material in the tank, at least one conduit (5) for feed slurry to deliver a feed slurry (9) into the feedwell, means for diluting the feed slurry, when at least one separate dilute liquid conduit (16, 19) is directed tangentially with respect to the feedwell (4) and at least one inflow aperture (15) is arranged tangentially with respect to the feedwell for recirculating the dilute liquid from the tank inside the feedwell in order to dilute the feed slurry.