Venturi Emulsifier for Paper Sizing Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current emulsification technologies for paper sizing agents, such as alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), face challenges with high shear systems requiring complex and expensive equipment, and low shear systems experiencing foam problems and poor sizing efficiency due to high surfactant levels.
Innovation Solution
A venturi apparatus is used to create emulsions by introducing water under pressure and the sizing agent at the venturi suction inlet, resulting in a simpler, more energy-efficient process with better emulsion quality and lower surfactant levels, suitable for both in-mill emulsification and inverse emulsion polymer inversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high shear emulsification is used, then emulsion stability and sizing efficiency are improved, but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a venturi apparatus that employs hydraulic principles to create a pressure differential. Water under pressure is forced through a restricted section of the venturi, creating a low-pressure zone that automatically draws in and mixes the sizing agent. This eliminates the need for complex high-shear mixing equipment while achieving effective emulsification through pressure-driven flow dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The venturi apparatus divides the emulsification process into distinct functional sections: a high-pressure water injection section, a low-pressure mixing zone where the sizing agent is drawn in, and an expansion section where the emulsion is formed. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring complex integrated equipment.
2Device complexity
If low shear emulsification is used, then equipment simplicity and cost are reduced, but foam generation and sizing efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The venturi apparatus uses pressure-driven hydraulic flow instead of mechanical agitation. Water is forced through a restricted section creating a pressure differential that draws in the sizing agent. This pressure-driven mixing method avoids the intense mechanical shearing that causes foam generation while still achieving effective emulsification through controlled pressure differentials and flow dynamics.
3Device complexity
If low shear emulsification is used, then equipment simplicity is improved, but emulsion quality and sizing efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The venturi apparatus creates a controlled pressure differential that forces water through a restricted section, generating a low-pressure zone that draws in the sizing agent. The resulting pressure-driven mixing achieves uniform emulsion distribution and fine droplet size without requiring complex high-shear equipment, thereby maintaining emulsion quality while simplifying the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the key parameter from mechanical shear force to pressure differential. By controlling water pressure and the degree of restriction in the venturi section, the system achieves optimal mixing intensity and emulsion quality. This parameter change allows effective emulsification with simpler equipment by exploiting pressure-flow relationships rather than mechanical agitation.
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 method produces stable emulsions with mean particle sizes below 2 microns, improving paper machine runnability and sizing efficiency while reducing operational costs and equipment complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A venturi apparatus is used to create emulsions by introducing water under pressure and the sizing agent at the venturi suction inlet
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for emulsifying oil and water, such as for emulsifying a sizing agent for use in treating paper or paperboard, introduces a continuous phase under pressure through a continuous phase nozzle of a venturi apparatus and into a mixing section. A dispersed phase is introduced optionally under pressure into the mixing section of the venturi apparatus. The emulsion formed in the mixing section is directed through a mixed phase nozzle and out of the venturi apparatus. The mixed phase nozzle diameter of the venturi apparatus is larger than the continuous phase nozzle diameter at a ratio of greater than 1:1 and less than 4:1.