Tank Recirculation Mixing During Draining and Sedimentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing devices for tanks, such as those used in the beverage industry for dry hopping, fail to maintain thorough mixing during and after sedimentation phases, particularly during the draining process, leading to hop particles settling and complicating the filtration process.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a riser pipe and mixing pipe system with a pump, allowing simultaneous drawing off and reintroduction of tank contents for mixing, including stirring up settled sediment, to ensure continuous mixing during draining and sedimentation phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mixing devices are used to maintain thorough mixing during draining, then mixing quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device is designed to perform multiple functions: mixing during normal operation, mixing during draining, and preventing sedimentation. The same mixing element and circulation system are used for all these purposes, eliminating the need for separate mixing devices for different operations and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable mixing quality throughout the entire process
2Ease of operation
If mixing is stopped during draining to simplify operation, then ease of operation is improved, but mixing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing action continues uninterrupted during the draining process. The circulation system remains active, continuously drawing liquid from the bottom and returning it through the mixing element, ensuring that mixing quality is maintained throughout the entire draining operation without requiring operational interruptions or complex control sequences
3Ease of operation
If hop particles are allowed to settle during draining, then ease of operation is improved, but mixing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device performs preliminary anti-action by continuously agitating the liquid and preventing hop particles from settling during the draining process. The circulation system keeps particles suspended through continuous movement, counteracting the natural settling tendency before filtration is required, thus maintaining high mixing quality without complicating operation
4Reliability
If simultaneous drawing off and reintroduction of tank contents is implemented, then mixing quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drawing off and reintroduction functions are merged into a single integrated circulation system. The same pump and piping infrastructure that draws liquid from the bottom also returns it through the mixing element, combining two functions into one unified operation that improves mixing quality without requiring separate, complex systems for each function
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
Enables thorough mixing of tank contents during and after sedimentation, preventing settling and facilitating efficient filtration by maintaining a homogeneous suspension of solids, particularly beneficial for dry hopping in beer production.
Implementation Method 1
Pumping the tank contents drawn off via the riser pipe using a pump
Implementation Method 2
Introducing the drawn-off tank contents into the tank and mixing the drawn-off tank contents with the remaining tank contents using the mixing pipe
Implementation Method 3
Due to gravity, the liquid then flows outwards on the disk and onto an underlying conical plate
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for mixing the contents of a tank 10 comprising the following steps: a. Arranging a riser pipe 40 extending into the tank 10 through a first pipe connection body 20 at the connection flange 14; b. Arranging a mixing pipe 50 extending into the tank 10 through the first pipe connection body 20; c. Drawing off tank contents via the riser pipe 40; d. Pumping the tank contents drawn off via the riser pipe 40 by means of a pump 60; and e. Introducing the drawn-off tank contents into the tank 10 and mixing the drawn-off tank contents with the remaining tank contents by means of the mixing pipe 50.