Counter-Rotating Vortex Mixing Apparatus for Chemical Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mixing methods in industrial processes, such as papermaking, are inefficient for quickly and evenly integrating chemicals with fast reactions or multiple chemicals, leading to uneven particle and flock sizes, and issues with chemical precipitation on equipment surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A novel mixing apparatus and method involving counter-rotating vortices in a process pipe, where a first flow is injected perpendicularly to form a mixing field, and a second flow is injected between these vortices to enhance mixing, ensuring rapid and even distribution of chemicals across the pipe cross-section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If slow mixing methods are used, then chemical introduction is simple, but mixing speed is insufficient for fast reactions and particle size becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic principles by injecting chemical flows directly into the process liquid flow, utilizing fluid dynamics and turbulence to achieve rapid mixing. The injection of chemicals at specific points creates turbulence that distributes chemicals evenly throughout the liquid flow, eliminating the need for complex mechanical mixers while achieving high mixing speeds suitable for fast reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the mixing process into multiple injection points along the process pipe, with each injection point introducing chemical at a specific location. This segmentation allows different chemicals to be introduced at optimal points along the flow path, ensuring even distribution and complete mixing without requiring a single complex mixing device.
2Productivity
If multiple chemicals are introduced simultaneously, then processing efficiency improves, but chemical precipitation on equipment surfaces occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary mixing of chemicals with the process liquid flow at multiple points along the pipe before the chemicals can precipitate on equipment surfaces. By introducing chemicals at multiple locations and utilizing the continuous flow and turbulence generated by the injection system, the chemicals are thoroughly mixed and transported through the system before any precipitation can occur, eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining processing efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If injection nozzles are arranged around the pipe circumference, then mixing coverage improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning injection nozzles at specific locations along the process pipe rather than uniformly around the circumference. Each injection point is strategically placed to create turbulence and mixing at that local position, and the cumulative effect of multiple strategically positioned injection points achieves uniform mixing throughout the entire flow without requiring complex arrangements at every location.
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 mixing in less than a second, ensures even reaction times, and prevents chemical precipitation on equipment surfaces, allowing for the use of more aggressive chemicals and additives with improved product quality.
Implementation Method 1
the mixing field of the first flow comprising two counter-rotating vortices in the process pipe
Implementation Method 2
mixed with the flowing material, a liquid or a gas, by the turbulence in the actual pipe flow
Implementation Method 3
the fast jet of injection liquid and the second chemical entrains and mixes the second chemical as well into the process liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A method of introducing a first flow and a second flow into a process liquid flowing through a conduit including: injecting the first flow with an introduction liquid into the process liquid in transverse to a flow direction of the process liquid, wherein the injected first flow forms a mixing field comprising counter-rotating vortices in the process liquid; and injecting a second flow transverse to the flow direction of the process liquid and between the counter-rotating vortices.