Viscous Fluid Mixing via Electric Field Induced Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to efficiently and rapidly mix fluids with large and different viscosities, particularly in confined spaces, due to limitations in turbulence and heat transfer, leading to incomplete reactions and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The method employs an electric field to induce viscous fluids to fold vigorously, using a chamber and nozzle setup where fluids are co-flowed and subjected to a high electrical voltage, allowing for uniform mixing without foreign mixers and minimizing energy consumption with viscosity increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical impellers are used to mix viscous fluids, then mixing can be achieved at macroscopic levels, but energy consumption increases sharply with increased viscosity and heat transfer is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical impellers with an electric field-based mixing system. High-voltage electric fields are applied to induce electrostatic forces that cause viscous fluid jets to fold and mix vigorously, eliminating the need for mechanical agitation and dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective mixing of highly viscous fluids
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and behavior of the fluid by applying high-voltage electric fields. This induces electrostatic forces that fundamentally alter the fluid's mixing behavior, causing it to fold and mix vigorously without mechanical input, thereby resolving the energy consumption problem associated with traditional mechanical mixing of viscous fluids
2Productivity
If complex channel designs are used to generate chaotic advection, then mixing is promoted passively, but fabrication becomes complex and dead volume is trapped in channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mixing function from complex physical channel structures and implements it through an electric field. This eliminates the need for fabricated complex channels and associated dead volumes, while still achieving effective chaotic advection and mixing through electrostatic forces acting on the fluid jets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical channel designs with an active electric field-based system. The electric field induces fluid folding and mixing without requiring complex channel geometries, thereby simplifying fabrication and eliminating dead volume problems inherent in passive chaotic advection devices
3Productivity
If foreign mixers are introduced to enhance mixing, then mixing efficiency improves, but additional steps to remove these objects add complexity to the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mixing where the fluid itself is manipulated by electric fields to fold and mix vigorously. No foreign mixers or additives are introduced, and no removal steps are needed, as the electric field directly acts on the fluid to achieve complete mixing without requiring additional operational steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces foreign mechanical mixers with an electric field-based system that mixes the fluid in place. This eliminates the need to introduce and subsequently remove mixer objects, simplifying the operational process while maintaining high mixing efficiency for viscous fluids
4Productivity
If conventional mixing methods are used for viscous fluids, then mixing occurs, but it is extremely slow due to slow molecular diffusion in laminar flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic electric field application to induce continuous folding and mixing of the viscous fluid jets. This periodic electrostatic action creates vigorous mixing behavior that dramatically accelerates the mixing rate compared to passive laminar diffusion, achieving rapid and uniform mixing of highly viscous fluids
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mixing dynamics by applying high-voltage electric fields that induce electrostatic forces on the fluid. This fundamentally alters the fluid's behavior from slow laminar diffusion to rapid folding and mixing, dramatically increasing the mixing rate without being constrained by the fluid's high viscosity
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 approach achieves rapid and efficient mixing of viscous fluids, ensuring uniformity and controlled mixing efficiency through adjustable electric force, folding frequency, and nozzle diameter, even for high viscosity fluids, with no associated dead volumes and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
electrifying viscous fluids and inducing them to fold vigorously
Implementation Method 2
A high electrical voltage is applied between the nozzle and the plate... The voltage creates an electric field that causes the fluids to fold into one another
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for mixing highly viscous fluids to form a mixture. The mixture is created rapidly and has a high level of uniformity. The mixture is created by utilizing induced viscous fluid folding under the influence of an electric field. The electric field is introduced by connecting a nozzle dispensing the fluids in parallel to a voltage supply and grounding a collection plate located below the nozzle. When a certain voltage is applied the co-flow viscous fluids start to fold because the electric field exerts stress on the surface of the fluids, which results in changes of the geometry and dynamics of the viscous fluids. Control of the electric field provides great control over the mixture.