Triangular Vane Mixing Member for Solid Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for treating solids, such as mixing, pelletizing, or drying, often fail to enhance the quality of the treated solids effectively, leading to issues like lump formation, uneven mixing, and inefficient heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a vessel with a driveshaft and mixing members having triangular and rectangular vanes that extend at specific angles, a Z-shaped configuration, and a baffle for flow disturbance, along with a chopper for high shear forces and a gassing device for gas introduction, optimizing the treatment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional mixing apparatuses are used for treating solids, then the basic mixing function is performed, but the quality of treated solids deteriorates due to lump formation, uneven mixing, and inefficient heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing member is segmented into multiple mixing arms (at least two) with distinct vane configurations. Each mixing arm has a main vane of triangular cross-section and optionally bottom and end vanes of rectangular cross-section, creating multiple zones of different mixing actions that work together to eliminate lump formation and achieve uniform mixing throughout the vessel
Solution Approach 2:
The main vane is designed with an asymmetric triangular cross-section where the apex is directed in the rotation direction. The vanes extend at specific asymmetric angles (15° to 60° to the rotation plane and 1° to 30° clearance angles to the vessel wall) to create optimized flow patterns that prevent lump formation while maintaining efficient mixing
2Temperature
If conventional mixing apparatuses are used for treating solids, then the mixing operation is performed, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing member extends in multiple spatial dimensions with vanes at different angles and positions (main vane at 15° to 60° to rotation plane, bottom vane extending toward vessel bottom, end vane at upper end). This multi-dimensional configuration creates comprehensive fluid motion and eliminates dead zones, significantly improving heat transfer efficiency throughout the entire vessel volume
3Productivity
If mixing members with simple vane configurations are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but mixing efficiency and pellet formation quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the mixing member have specialized local configurations optimized for specific functions: the main vane with triangular cross-section and apex directed in rotation direction provides primary mixing action, bottom vanes of rectangular cross-section extend toward the vessel bottom to prevent dead zones, and end vanes at upper ends complete the flow pattern. Each local configuration contributes specifically to overall mixing efficiency and stable pellet formation
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 ensures efficient mixing, pelletizing, and drying with stable pellet formation, reduced lump size, and improved heat transfer, allowing for complete vessel emptying and energy-efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a mixing member rotating in a rotation direction and disposed in fixed rotative engagement with the driveshaft, wherein the mixing member has two mixing arms, each including a main vane of generally triangular cross section
Implementation Method 2
a chopper (dispersing member) may be provided for subjecting the product in the vessel to high shear forces
Implementation Method 3
a gassing device may be mounted in the bottom of the vessel for introducing a gas, e.g. air, into the vessel in flow direction of the product being treated
Implementation Method 4
at least one baffle may be disposed in the vessel for disturbing the flow of the solid product
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for treating solids, in particular mixing, pelletizing or drying, includes a vessel receiving a solid product, and a driveshaft which is arranged in the vessel. Disposed in fixed rotative engagement with the driveshaft is at least one mixing member which rotates in a rotation direction and has two mixing arms. Each mixing arm includes a main vane of generally triangular cross section to define an apex which is directed in the rotation direction of the mixing member.