Vertically Moving Horizontal Mixer Assembly with Serrated Blade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing technologies face inefficiencies in dissolving particulate solids into liquids, particularly in controlling the vortex and energy requirements for effective mixing, with existing rotor-stator designs and high-speed disperser blades not adequately addressing the need for reduced energy consumption and faster dissolution times.
Innovation Solution
A vertically moving horizontal mixer assembly with a cylindrical tank, featuring a stator and blade support assembly that includes screw thread shafts and sprockets for axial movement, a rotating blade with serrated edges, and an optional stator configuration that can be adjusted to optimize mixing efficiency, allowing for precise control of vortex and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional rotor-stator mixer designs are used, then mixing function is provided, but energy consumption is high and dissolution time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a vertically movable blade assembly that can be positioned at different depths within the tank, allowing dynamic adjustment of the mixing zone to match the liquid level and optimize mixing efficiency at each stage of the dissolution process
Solution Approach 2:
The blade design incorporates variable parameters including blade angle, blade shape, and rotational speed that can be optimized for different mixing requirements, enabling efficient dissolution with reduced energy consumption
2Reliability
If multiple blades per shaft are used to improve mixing effectiveness, then mixing thoroughness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system is segmented into multiple functional components including the blade assembly, stator, and vertical movement mechanism, allowing each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve thorough mixing
Solution Approach 2:
A stator component is introduced as an intermediary between the rotating blade and the liquid, creating a rotor-stator configuration that enhances mixing effectiveness through controlled interaction between moving and stationary elements
3Adaptability or versatility
If the blade position is fixed, then device simplicity is maintained, but ability to control vortex and adapt to liquid level is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is designed with vertical movability along the shaft axis, enabling dynamic positioning to control the vortex formation and adapt to different liquid levels throughout the dissolution process
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates the ability to observe and control vortex formation through blade position adjustment, allowing optimization of mixing performance by matching blade depth with liquid level and vortex characteristics
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 solution significantly reduces the time required for dissolving solids into liquids, as demonstrated by experiments showing a decrease in dissolution times by up to 65 minutes compared to traditional methods, while also reducing power requirements and minimizing aeration, leading to improved product quality and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A stator and blade support assembly with a pair of spaced apart screw thread shafts, each parallel to the tank axis. The screw thread shafts are fixed at their ends to the stator and blade support assembly.
Implementation Method 2
The present invention provides a hub suitably designed for horizontal blade attachment, the blade as either part of a hub or separately attached to the hub, wherein the hub has the ability to move horizontally. This design thereby allows movement of the blade vertically throughout a tank to favorably match the level of the tank contents therein. This vertical movement of a horizontally planed mixing blade, impeller, prop or the like, allows one to always control the degree, or extent thereof, of the vortex of the tank contents.
Implementation Method 3
The rotating blade includes a flat circular disk with a plurality of raised tooth edges which are perpendicular to the flat disk.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertically moving horizontal mixer assembly which includes a tank having an axis. A stator and blade support assembly is movable parallel to the tank axis. At least one rotatable blade substantially perpendicular to the tank axis is moveable parallel to the tank axis. The rotating blade may be a flat circular disk with raised tooth edges perpendicular to the disk around the circumference of the blade. An optional stator also directs and encourages movement and mixing of solids with liquids.