Vortex Blender for Asphalt Cement Polymer Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mixers for asphalt cement and polymer pellets cause partial melting and deformation of the polymers due to extended contact with hot asphalt cement, leading to inefficient dispersion and the need for multiple grinding mill passes to achieve proper mixing.
Innovation Solution
A blender with no internal moving parts, utilizing a vortex action facilitated by the shape of the blending portion and configuration of inlets, along with a heat transfer component with thermal fluid jackets to reduce heating time and ensure thorough dispersion of additives in asphalt cement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If polymer pellets are mixed with hot asphalt cement in conventional mixers for extended time, then the polymer pellets are thoroughly coated with asphalt cement, but the pellets partially melt and deform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'rushing through' principle by rapidly transferring polymer pellets from the mixing tank through a discharge chute directly into the grinding mill. This quick transition minimizes the time pellets spend in contact with hot asphalt cement, preventing melting and deformation while still achieving adequate coating for dispersion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies 'preliminary action' by pre-cooling the polymer pellets before they enter the mixing tank. This preliminary cooling step reduces the temperature differential between pellets and hot asphalt cement, thereby reducing the risk of polymer melting and deformation during the mixing process
2Manufacturing precision
If polymer pellets are mixed with hot asphalt cement for extended time, then adequate coating is achieved, but multiple grinding mill passes are required to achieve proper dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies 'rushing through' by rapidly moving coated pellets from the mixing tank to the grinding mill, reducing the overall process time. This quick transfer minimizes the time pellets are exposed to heat while still achieving sufficient coating for effective dispersion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces extended mechanical mixing time with a rapid mechanical transfer system. Instead of relying on prolonged mixing to achieve dispersion, the system uses a quick discharge mechanism to transfer coated pellets to the grinding mill, where mechanical grinding achieves the desired dispersion in fewer passes
3Ease of operation
If conventional mixers with impellers are used, then mixing action is provided, but the mixers are so large that pellets contact hot asphalt cement for long time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'taking out' principle by removing the polymer pellets from the mixing environment after brief contact. The system extracts pellets from the hot asphalt cement mixture and rapidly transfers them to the grinding mill, minimizing the time they spend in the mixing tank and reducing heat exposure
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 blender achieves thorough dispersion of additives in asphalt cement in a short time, minimizing polymer deformation and reducing the need for multiple grinding mill passes, while maintaining effective blending without impellers or mixing blades.
Implementation Method 1
The cooperation of the shape of the blending portion and the arrangement and configuration of the viscous material inlet and the inlet for additive material facilitates blending of the viscous material and the additive material by vortex action
Implementation Method 2
The first thermal fluid passage is in conductive contact with the receiving portion of the upper section, and the second thermal fluid passage is in conductive contact with the blending portion of the lower section
Data Source
AI summary
A blender for blending viscous material and additive material by vortex action includes an upper section and a lower section. The upper section has a receiving portion, a viscous material inlet that is in fluid communication with the receiving portion, and an additive inlet that is in fluid communication with the receiving portion. The lower section is attached to and disposed below the upper section, said includes a blending portion that is in fluid communication with the receiving portion of the upper section. The blending portion is shaped so as to facilitate the blending of the additive material entering the receiving portion through the additive inlet with the viscous material entering the receiving portion through the viscous material inlet. The blender includes an outlet for blended material that is in fluid communication with the blending portion of the lower section. A method of blending additive materials with asphalt cement employs a blender having no moving parts that is adapted to blend asphalt cement and additive materials by vortex action.