EP2397220B1 - Flow generator - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a flow generator for mixing and / or separating media, having a rotation chamber which is formed such that a first medium flowing into the rotation chamber is set in a rotational movement, wherein the rotation chamber, the first medium leads to a rotating path and a the rotary chamber with a working space connecting flow channel, which is arranged and designed such that it predetermines an orientation of the medium emerging from the flow channel into the working space when entering the working space. The invention further relates to a method for mixing and / or separating media with a flow generator in which a flowing medium is set in a rotating movement by a rotary chamber, the flowing, rotating medium is passed through a flow channel from the rotary chamber to a working space and the flowing, rotating medium exits with an orientation from the flow channel into a working space. Finally, the invention relates to a method for the treatment of liquid media.

For the mixing of media, for example, flow generators are known in which the media to be mixed are conducted into a working space in which they swirl and then flow out of the working space via an outlet. In order to mix media particularly well, it is known from the prior art, for example, to arrange several workrooms in succession.

From the DE 10 2004 045 823 A1 a flow generator with a working space is known in which a displacement body is arranged, which generates a nozzle-like constriction of the working space.

Separating means the separation of mixtures of substances. For separating media, for example, known from the prior art cyclones or centrifuges are used. In the cyclones, the mixtures to be separated are introduced into the cyclone. The lighter substances are sucked upwards in the cyclone, while the heavier components, such as, for example, dust particles, sink downwards in the cyclone.

It is also known to introduce the media into the cyclone in such a way that it turns on a spiral Web down in the cyclone and separate media mixtures using the centrifugal forces occurring through the spiral path. Here, the heavy particles are pressed against the cyclone inner wall, while the lighter particles move to the inside of the cyclone. This method is, for example, also used for "outgassing" of media. In these processes, the medium must remain in the cyclone for a long time in order to achieve sufficiently good separation results.

In the context of the application, a medium is understood to mean a single substance or a mixture of several substances, it being possible for the state of matter of the medium to be both gaseous, liquid or solid, provided that their fluidity is given. Also, the state of matter of the individual substances in the mixture may be different. Here, all combinations are conceivable. It may be a solid medium in, for example. Powder, flake or dust form mixed in a liquid or a gas or a mixture of gaseous and / or liquid and / or solid medium separated from each other.

For a uniform mixing of the media or for a good separation of the media, the turbulence intensity is decisive in addition to the time factor. Thus, for example, even poorly mixed media such as. Oil and water mix evenly and finely, a vigorous and long vortexing of the media is advantageous. Also, in a gas-liquid mixture via a particularly vigorous swirling a fast outgassing of the gaseous medium can be achieved from the liquid.

The different methods of mixing and separating can be used depending on the state of aggregation of the media to be processed. In some cases it is also possible, depending on the device and media, to mix and / or separate media having different states of aggregation.

From various fields of industrial application such as. The paper industry or the beverage industry, the need is known to mix several media sequentially together and / or separate from each other. This is due to the long ways that must put back the medium in the flow generators with particularly high equipment and thus costly effort.

From the WO2008 / 039115 A1 For example, a vortex generator is known in which a liquid in a rotary chamber is set in rotation, and then swirled in a funnel-shaped working space to an outlet. Such vortex generators are suitable only for the swirling of the introduced medium or mixture of substances, but offer no possibility to mix further media during the Verwirbelungsvorgangss in the liquid or filter out of the liquid.

In the formation of crystals, homogeneous and heterogeneous crystallization is known from the prior art. In homogeneous crystallization, the so-called seed crystallizes from the same molecule as the growing crystal. In heterogeneous crystallization, a foreign species is usually present, e.g. Metallic roughness edges in pipelines or, preferably, in elbows that also irregularly incorporate other molecules into growth. Due to the higher electrostatic attraction of similar molecules with respect to alien molecules, with sufficient presence of seed crystals of, for example, calcium carbonate, preferably homogeneous crystals form in a liquid.

In the calcification of water-leading devices such as. Washing machines is a heterogeneous crystallization of the calcium carbonate in the water on the water lines in the device instead. To avoid lime deposits, for example, apparatuses are known which use electrostatic fields. A purely mechanical process for the production of seed crystals from, for example, calcium carbonate, is not known.

The invention is based on the issue to provide a flow generator, the mixed media evenly and very quickly mixed or mixed media evenly and very quickly separated from each other. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method in which media can be reliably uniformly and rapidly mixed with one another or mixed media can be reliably and uniformly separated from one another in a reliable manner.

The invention achieves the objects by a flow generator according to claim 1 and a method for mixing and / or separating according to claim 11. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The flow generator according to the invention for mixing and / or separating media has a rotation chamber which is designed in such a way that a first medium flowing into the rotation chamber is set into a rotational movement. A flow channel connecting the rotary chamber to a working space is arranged and designed such that it predetermines an orientation of the medium emerging from the flow channel into the working space when it enters the working space, with a connecting channel also opening into the flowing medium

The medium flows in the flow generator according to the invention from an inlet through the flow generator to an outlet. In the course of the flow through the medium is placed in a rotating chamber in a rotating movement. The medium flows into the rotation chamber, and is guided by the rotation chamber on, for example, a circular or elliptical path of movement. It rotates, for example, around a common center around. The rotation chamber may be formed and / or arranged such that the rotation of the medium is at least substantially vertical, i. takes place as far as possible parallel to ciner longitudinal axis of the flow generator. The rotation chamber may, for example, have a circular or elliptical shape in vertical section.

Due to the rotation, the flowing medium has a high internal degree of turbulence. That is, the media molecules and / or media molecule clusters move and swirl toward each other while still moving on the rotating web. In this case, a high number of collisions between the molecules and / or molecular clusters takes place, so that occurring forces, such as shear forces, cause a break-up of the intermolecular forces and thus the molecular clusters, whereby the homogeneity of the mixture is improved.

The rotation chamber may be arbitrarily, for example, arcuate in cross-section or configured with a curvature. The shape of the rotation chamber in horizontal section can likewise arbitrarily, for example, round, oval, annular, polygonal or adapted to the basic shape of the flow generator.

Starting from the rotation chamber, the medium flows through the flow channel into the working space. The flow channel has at least one opening in the region of the rotation chamber and at least one opening in the region of the working space. The flow channel can be designed differently. There are all forms conceivable that connect the rotary chamber and the working space together so that a flowing medium can be passed from the rotary chamber into the working space. For example. is the flow channel as a hose connecting the rotary chamber and the working space can be formed. It can also be formed in a component as, for example, bore or milling, which connects the rotary chamber and the working space with each other.

The formation of the flow channel is partly responsible for the orientation with which the flowing medium flows into the working space. The design of the channel can be adjusted according to the intended effects. It is, for example, possible to form the flow channel as a straight channel or as a channel with bends. Also, the opening of the flow channel in the region of the rotation chamber can be formed arbitrarily. Thus, it is possible to form them, for example, symmetrically or asymmetrically, or to chamfer or round off them.

The flowing medium exits with an orientation from the flow channel into the inlet region of the working space. In this case, orientation is understood as meaning a specific outlet direction of the medium / mixture and / or the way in which the medium / mixture, for example, is fanned out or exits as a spray from the flow channel.

The flow generator according to the invention has a connection channel which opens into the flowing medium. Through the connection channel, it is possible to introduce at least one second medium into the flowing medium or to remove a second medium, which is deposited from a mixture of media due to turbulence. For the connection channel has at least two openings. An opening on the side of the flowing medium and a side opposite to that of the flowing medium. The connection channel can, like the flow channel, be designed as desired, for example as a hose, a pipe or as a bore or cutout in a component. Also, the spatial configuration of the connection channel can be made arbitrarily. Thus, the connection channel, for example, at least partially straight, arcuate or have an angle. Also, combinations of shapes are conceivable.

The flow generator according to the invention swirls a medium flowing through it several times by overlapping movements. By means of these multiple intermeshing turbulences, forces in the medium can be dissipated between molecular forces, such as, for example, cohesive and / or adhesive forces, so that a first medium can be mixed with a second medium or further media particularly simply, quickly and uniformly. In particular, the mixing of a second medium or other media in an already vortexed first medium ensures good mixing results.

The flow generator according to the invention allows through the connection channel the possibility to mix other media in the flowing medium. The other media can be mixed into the first medium through the connection channel at the same time or at different times. Particularly advantageously, several media can be mixed simultaneously and another medium at a later time in the already mixed media. As a result, a high flexibility in terms of pressure, timing and the order of media to be mixed with minimal equipment design is given.

The flow generator according to the invention enables a particularly fast and uniform distribution of one or more media to be mixed into another medium. In this case, the respective proportion of media is irrelevant, since the flow generator according to the invention also allows the rapid and uniform mixing of, for example, small amounts of a medium and / or particularly viscous media. Particularly advantageously, a small amount of a particularly high-viscosity medium can also be mixed into a main medium or with a plurality of different media.

Furthermore, the flow generator according to the invention enables fast and uniform Separate media from media mixes. Through the connection channel of the flow generator according to the invention, it is possible to direct a medium separately from the flowing medium out of the flow generator. For example. it is possible to separate a gas from a gas-liquid mixture by the particularly strong turbulence out (outgassing) and dissipate through the connection channel.

It is also possible with the flow generator according to the invention, for example, to combine the operations of mixing and separating and, in a particularly advantageous manner, to mix a plurality of media and to separate one or more media from the mixture at a later time.

Another advantage of the flow generator according to the invention is that the self-cleaning effect of water can be simulated. This is based on the theory that occurring in nature water is swirled many times more than run in lines laminar flowing water. Due to multiple turbulence, the cluster sizes of the H ₂ O molecules of water occurring in nature is significantly smaller and the reactivity of the molecular clusters significantly larger compared to laminar flowing water. Due to the associated higher binding activity of the water clusters foreign substances in the water can be better filtered out. Through the connection channel of the flow generator according to the invention, it is possible to introduce additional water, for example, with a different pressure in the flowing water, thereby causing further turbulence and increased disruption of the H ₂ O molecule cluster takes place.

Another particular advantage of the flow generator according to the invention is that in this pure crystal nuclei can be formed in the moving liquid, which collect in the course of precipitation and therefore minimize deposits on pipelines and vessel walls.

According to a particularly preferred development of the invention, the flow channel has a curvature. The flow channel can be curved in itself or have a section with curvature. The curvature gives the rotating medium a particularly advantageous orientation on exiting into the working space, through which the exiting medium moves on an arcuate path in the working space.

To the orientation, i. To further influence the direction of movement of the outflowing medium, the inclination angle of the flow channel can be adjusted to a longitudinal axis of the flow generator according to the intended effects. It is, for example, possible, the flow channel with an inclination angle of o °, i. parallel to a longitudinal axis, align. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the flow generator according to the invention, however, the flow channel has an angle of inclination of 5 ° -85 °, preferably 15 ° -75 °, more preferably 25 ° -65 ° and preferably 30 ° -55 ° to the longitudinal axis of the flow generator. Due to the inclination angle, the path of movement of the medium in the working space and thus the degree of turbulence and mixing of the medium in the working space can be influenced in a particularly advantageous manner. The angle of inclination of the flow channel thus advantageously determines the outlet direction of the medium from the flow channel into the working space. Thus, the Ausrittrichtung example, be aligned to a center of the working space or away from a center of the working space.

It is also possible to influence the time required for the flowing medium to pass through the working space. Thus, for example, by an angle which is approximately 90 ° to the longitudinal axis of the flow generator, the Dürchlaufzeit the flowing medium extended through the working space.

The speed at which a medium flows through the flow generator depends on several factors. On the one hand, it is crucial with which pressure a medium is introduced into the flow generator. On the other hand, the speed can be influenced by different cross sections of the components of the flow generator. For example, it is possible to decelerate the velocity of the medium flowing in the flow generator by means of a particularly large rotation chamber or to increase the exit velocity of the flowing medium from the flow generator by means of a particularly small cross section of the outlet. The different velocities of the flowing medium within the flow generator cause a further advantageous swirling of the flowing medium within the flow generator.

Due to particularly frequent braking and accelerating of the medium in the flow generator, i. by different velocities of the flowing medium within the flow generator, a particularly high degree of turbulence is achieved, and thus a particularly advantageous fast and uniform mixing or, in the case of the corresponding media mixtures, a particularly rapid separation of individual media from one another.

In particular, the flow channel is suitable for influencing the flow velocity within the flow generator. The flow channel can therefore have different cross sections over its length. For example, it is possible to provide this in the connection area to the rotation chamber and in the connection area to the working space with the same cross section. It is also possible to form a bulge, such as a cavity or a small chamber, in the region lying between the connection regions. If, for example, the flowing medium should have a lower velocity when emerging from the flow channel into the working space than when entering the flow channel from the rotation chamber, the cross section of the flow channel in the region of the rotation chamber may be smaller than in the connection area to the working space.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the flow channel in the connection region to the rotation chamber has a larger cross-section than in the area of the connection to the working space. As a result, the flowing medium enters the working space at an increased rate, as a result of which the flowing medium is swirled particularly intensively in a particularly advantageous manner.

The mixing and separating effect of the flowing medium can also be varied via the shape of the working space. The working space can be designed arbitrarily both in its cross-sectional as well as in its longitudinal section. They are e.g. polygonal, arcuate or circular shapes conceivable.

Also, depending on the intended effect forms that are composed of arcuate and straight sections conceivable. Particularly preferred is an embodiment of the flow generator according to the invention, wherein the working space in cross section a elliptical or circular shape. As a result, the path of movement of the flowing medium in the working space can be influenced in a particularly simple manner.

A working space facing the outlet opening of the flow channel can be arranged and formed as desired. It is preferably adapted to the effect to be achieved. Thus, the outlet opening, for example, parallel to a longitudinal axis of the flow generator can be arranged, whereby the exiting medium is aligned in the direction of a central longitudinal axis of the flow generator. In the arrangement of a plurality of flow channels, the respective outlet openings may, for example, be arranged so that the medium emerging from them in the working space meets or crosses each other.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the outlet opening of the flow channel is arranged and designed such that the exiting medium is directed against an inner surface of a boundary wall of the working space. The boundary wall defines the working space in size and shape. The inner surfaces of the boundary wall are the surfaces directed towards the working space, i. the surfaces with which the flowing medium can come into contact. The particular advantage of this is that the flowing medium is additionally swirled when hitting the inner wall.

The formation of the outlet opening can also be arbitrary. Thus, it is possible, for example, to chamfer, round off, to provide the exit opening with grooves, i. freak out or form any other way. According to the design of the outlet opening of the flow channel, the flowing medium in the working space, for example, be sprayed or injected.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet opening is arranged and formed such that the medium substantially bundled, for example. Radially emerges from the outlet opening and at an angle of 0 ° -90 °, preferably 0 ° -75 °, particularly preferred 0 ° -45 °, preferably 0 ° -25 ° and advantageously between 0 ° and 15 ° impinges on the inner surface of the boundary wall of the working space. Due to the bundling, it is possible for the medium / mixture flowing into the working space to specify a particularly accurate orientation oriented to the intended effect, ie an exact trajectory in the working space. So it is, for example, possible, a rotating Medium jet to flow along the inner wall of the working space along.

Depending on the intended use, the connection channel can open in different areas of the flow generator. For example, it is possible to open a connection channel into the rotation chamber. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the connection channel opens into a flow channel. This can be ensured in a particularly advantageous manner that the second medium does not affect the effect of the rotation chamber and yet a second medium can be prematurely mixed into the first medium. In addition, the first medium flowing in the flow channel is already in rotation and thus has a particularly high internal degree of turbulence, as a result of which the second medium can be mixed into the first medium in a particularly simple and rapid manner. Also, for example, gases which are already separated from the first medium at an early stage can be removed by the connecting channel opening into the flow channel.

In many applications of the flow generator, it is necessary to mix large quantities of media in a particularly short time or separate from each other. In order to increase the flow rate through the flow generator, a plurality of flow channels and connection channels can be arranged. As a result, for example, the amount of medium / time unit to be introduced into the flow generator can be increased, or the cross section of the flow channels can be reduced if necessary.

Furthermore, it is advantageously possible to mix different media separately from one another into the first flowing medium. For example, a substance B can be mixed into the first flowing medium A into the flowing medium A via a first connecting channel which opens into the first flow channel and a substance C into the first flowing via a second connecting channel which opens into a second flow channel Medium A are mixed in. The number of flow channels is arbitrary. Furthermore, a flow channel without a connection channel or with a plurality of connection channels may be formed, so that the number of connection channels which are assigned to the respective flow channel is arbitrary. Particularly preferred is a development of the invention, according to which at least two flow channels are arranged, each of which at least one connection channel is assigned.

In the previously described embodiment of the flow generator with a plurality of flow channels and at least one respective associated connection channel, the mixing or separation of a second medium into the first flowing medium can be very complicated. This is the case in particular when a particularly large number of connection channels are arranged and each connection channel has to be connected individually.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a mixing sleeve with collecting channel is arranged on the flow generator, wherein the connection channels open with their end facing away from the flowing medium in the collecting channel. This advantageous embodiment makes it possible to connect all connection channels simultaneously via the collection channel. This is particularly advantageous for the area of cleaning the flow generator. When connecting the connection channels to their own line for the supply or discharge of media, each line must be cleaned individually after use. Due to the advantageous embodiment of the flow generator with mixing sleeve only one supply or discharge line to the mixing sleeve is needed, so that after use only a supply or discharge line and the mixing sleeve must be cleaned with collecting duct.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connection channel is arranged and designed such that it sets the emerging from the connection channel in the flow channel medium when entering the flow channel an orientation The connection channel may, for example. Arranged and designed so that the second medium with a predetermined direction enters the flow channel, which corresponds to a spiral movement of the first medium in the flow channel. In this case, the connection channel can also be designed such that the second medium is sprayed, for example, on entering the flow channel. The particular advantage of orientation is that the second medium can influence the flowing first medium with respect to its trajectory and speed of movement.

The two connection regions of the connection channel can be formed with the same cross section. Further, it is possible to form the cross section between the two connection regions of the connection channel with a deviating cross section. Also can the connection channel in the connection region of the flow channel have a different cross-section than in the connection region of the flow channel opposite the connection region. Advantageously, the connection channel is, for example, designed such that it has a smaller cross section in the connection region to the flow channel than in the connection region opposite the connection region of the flow channel.

The cross-sectional and / or longitudinal sectional shape of the connection channel is also arbitrary. It depends strongly on the effects to be achieved and can therefore be, for example, polygonal, round, elliptical and / or arcuate. In particular, the combinations of two or in one another overflowing cross-sectional and / or longitudinal sectional shape are possible.

The arrangement of the connection channel is also arbitrary. Thus, the connection channel with an angle between, for example. 0 ° to 90 ° open into the flow channel, is advantageous, for example. An angle through which the second medium is introduced into the flow channel, that the trajectory of the second medium of the trajectory of the first medium in the flow channel corresponds.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the flow generator according to the invention, the connection channel opens into the working space. For example, it can be arranged so that it opens at approximately the same height with the flow channel in the working space and in a central position to the cross section of the working space. It is, for example, possible to position the connection channel so that it is arranged on a central longitudinal axis of the flow generator.

In a particular embodiment, the working space in the inlet region of the medium has a larger cross-section than in an outlet opposite the inlet region. In this case, an opposing outlet is not necessarily understood to mean an outlet which is directly opposite the inlet region, but an outlet which, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the flow generator, is arranged at a distance from the inlet region. For example, polygonal cross-section are possible, but the shape of a truncated cone or the shape of a cyclone is particularly preferably used. The particular advantage of the cross section of the working space narrowing towards the outlet is that the medium has a higher flow velocity towards the outlet than in the inlet region of the working space. As a result, the turbulence is amplified. Depending on the medium, this ensures particularly good mixing or separation. Another advantage of the increased velocity and narrowed cross-section is that molecular clusters present in a liquid increasingly collide and break apart. It is thus possible, for example, for the molecular clusters present in water to be greatly reduced from H ₂ O molecules. A beneficial effect is, for example, that in the water dissolved calcium bicarbonate is split into calcium carbonate and carbon dioxide.

Another advantage of the truncated cone-like basic shape of the working space is that the medium flowing in via the flow channels can be guided in a particularly simple manner onto a spiral path in the working space. In a particularly advantageous manner, it is thus possible, one from the flow channel as bundled medium, and thus, for example. Radial medium - which rotates in itself, to direct a spiral circular path in the working space. Through this combination of trajectories, the different media come into frequent contact with each other, so that a particularly fast mixing of the media is possible. Due to the high contact rate, the media can also be separated very quickly.

Due to the advantageous embodiment of the working space with an inlet region of the medium opposite outlet with a smaller cross-section and the associated ability to direct the medium on a spiral path in the working space, act on the media centrifugal forces that allow further separation of the media. The heavier components of the media move toward the inner wall of the workspace while the lighter components move toward a central longitudinal axis of the workspace. If the lighter component is a gas, it is, for example, possible to drive it off via the connecting channel opening into the working space.

The outlet of the working space can be configured as desired. So the outlet can, for example. be designed as a round or slot-shaped hole. It is also possible to form the outlet, for example, tubular with a substantially constant cross-section. Due to the design of the outlet different pressure conditions in the working space can be effected. Thus, for example, in the case of a round configuration of the working space, a central vortex can form in the working space, which sucks a gaseous medium such as air through the outlet, resulting in a reduction of a negative pressure existing in the working space.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an outlet nozzle or a fitting is arranged at the outlet. The outlet nozzle or the fitting forms a constriction / narrowing of the outlet and largely prevents the suction of, for example, gaseous media through the outlet into the working space. This makes it possible in an advantageous manner to increase the pressure prevailing in the working space vacuum.

The outlet nozzle or the fitting can also be designed as desired. Thus, it is possible, for example, to chamfer or round off a first end of the outlet nozzle or the fitting pointing in the direction of the working space. One of the direction of the working space opposite the second end of the nozzle or the fitting is also arbitrarily ausbildbar. For example, the second end may have a different cross-sectional shape and / or a different cross-sectional size than the first end. It is also possible that the second end, for example, has twice the cross-sectional size of the first end. Furthermore, steps, protrusions or cavitation steps can be formed on the nozzle or the fitting. For example, the nozzle can be formed as a Venturi nozzle.

The fitting or the nozzle can be formed integrally with the working space. A fitting or outlet nozzle which can be connected to the working space is preferred, as a result of which it is possible, if necessary, to exchange the fitting or the outlet nozzle which is particularly stressed by the flowing medium.

Due to the design of the nozzle can be influenced depending on the effect to be achieved, the mixing and separation process in the workspace, so that it is possible, for example, fill media with high pressures in the flow generator and still mix with vacuum in the working space or separate from each other ,

In order to fill the rotation chamber particularly easily with the flowing medium, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the rotation chamber is connected to an inlet chamber arranged in the flow direction in front of the rotation chamber. For example, the inlet chamber can be connected to the rotation chamber via a hose or a tube, or, for example, there can also be a direct transition from the inlet chamber into the rotation chamber.

The configuration of the inlet chamber is arbitrary and can, for example, be adapted to a basic shape of the flow generator. It is advantageously possible to introduce a plurality of media separately into the inlet chamber and thereby to achieve a mixing of the media before entering the rotation chamber. Another advantage of the inlet chamber is that the medium can be introduced particularly evenly into the rotation chamber in order to buffer, for example, occurring pressure fluctuations in the supply to the flow generator.

In order to further improve the transfer of the medium from the inlet chamber, a radial distributor is arranged in the inlet chamber according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. This causes the medium is particularly evenly directed in a radial direction and enters with radial alignment in the rotation chamber.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the radial distributor is conical. Due to the conical design, the medium is particularly uniformly and reliably directed in a radial direction, without causing flow in the medium, which counteract the radial deflection.

In order to achieve vortexing of the medium already in the transitional area between the inlet chamber and the rotary chamber, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a nozzle is arranged between inlet chamber and rotation chamber. The nozzle causes an advantageous acceleration of the flowing medium, so that the medium penetrates into the rotation chamber at a particularly high speed and is vortexed particularly intensively.

The flow generator can be used in a wide variety of areas. In many applications, embodiments of the flow generator made of plastic or metal meet the requirements placed on them. In particular, injection molding or else casting methods can be used for the production.

The special fields of application include, for example, the paper industry, water treatment, sewage treatment plants, power plants, the chemical industry or the food industry. In order to ensure the requirements there in terms of, for example, sterility or durability, the flow generator according to a particularly preferred embodiment of a noble metal, stainless steel, ceramic or a composite of these materials or at least two components, for which the aforementioned materials as composites or used in combination. The preferred materials or composites of these materials advantageously ensure a particular resistance against, for example, to be mixed acids or other aggressive components in the media. Furthermore, they are particularly easy to clean.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a separating unit is arranged on the working space. By means of the separating unit, it is possible to transport media which have been separated in the working space separately from one another out of the working space. The separating unit can be arranged at the most different positions in the working space. Thus, for example, a part of the separating unit can be arranged in the region of the outlet and a further part of the separating unit above it, for example, to convey a light phase of a medium ascending in the working space out of the working space and the heavy phase of a medium which after sinking down to the outlet, leading out of the working space at the bottom. Also, for example, an arrangement of the separating unit is conceivable in which the separating unit or at least a part of the separating unit is arranged in the inlet region of the flowing medium in the working space. In this case, it is advantageously possible, for example, to discharge large quantities of gaseous media in the working space from the working space. Also, the separating unit can, for example, be arranged in the region of the outlet.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the separating unit has at least one first and a second outflow on. This embodiment of the separating unit can be used, for example, in a working space which is used as a cyclone and in which the flowing medium moves in a spiral path from the inlet area into the working space to the outlet. Due to the centrifugal forces occurring and the associated separation of the heavy and light components in the medium, it is possible to direct a centrally located to the working space light medium via a example. Centrally located first drain from the working space and a in the Inner wall of the working space located second medium via an example. Ring to the first outflow arranged second outflow from the working space to lead.

For example, to give the flowing medium a special swirling direction or a certain orientation or to prevent the sticking of, for example, particulate media or mixtures with particulate media on the surface at which the flowing medium flows, the surface, i. the wall, at which the flowing medium flows arbitrarily. So it is possible, for example, the wall of the rotary chamber, the flow channel, the connection channel or the wall of the working space with, for example, patterns, patterns, projections, recesses or elevations form. These can, for example, extend helically in order to influence the course of the flowing medium. In a particular preferred embodiment, the surface has, at least in sections, an average roughness (Rz) of 0.006 μm to 12.5 μm, preferably 1 μm to 2.5 μm, particularly preferably 2.5 μm to 4 μm, preferably 4 μm to 7 μm and advantageously 10 microns to 12 microns. As a result, the flow and Verwirbelungsbewegungen and the direction of the flowing medium can be designed in a particularly advantageous manner and meet the sterile classes to 6 according to DIN 4768/1.

The inventive method for mixing and / or separating media with a flow generator, provides that a flowing medium is rotated by a rotary chamber in a rotating movement, the flowing, rotating medium is passed through a flow channel from the rotary chamber to a working space and the flowing, rotating medium exits with an orientation of the flow channel in a working space, wherein in the region of the flowing medium, a connection channel opens through which a second medium is introduced or removed. In order to mix and / or separate media, it is advantageous to swirl them together. Intensive turbulence distributes the media to be mixed with each other or, depending on the configuration of the turbulence, and the media can separate the media. Decisive for the result of mixing or separating is the time at which a second medium is mixed into a first medium or discharged from a first medium. The connection channel is suitable for introducing or removing a second medium into a first medium. The connection channel can be configured differently for this purpose and be arranged at different positions, so that the second medium can be introduced at different times in the flowing medium or discharged from it.

Another method for the treatment of liquid media provides that a liquid, flowing medium is fluidized by a rotating chamber and placed in a rotating motion, the liquid rotating medium is passed through a flow channel from the rotary chamber to a working space, the liquid, rotating medium flows out with an orientation from the flow channel into a working space, the liquid, rotating medium in the working space flows to an outlet, wherein the working space in the region of the incoming liquid has a larger cross-section than in the region of the outlet and in the region of the rotary chamber or in the flow direction in the area after the rotation chamber, a medium supplied to the liquid, rotating medium or a component of the liquid, rotating medium is discharged.

The process produces multiple, superimposed turbulences that cause a variety of turbulences and through which an increased transformation of the liquid medium takes place. By reshaping, for example, the structure of the medium is influenced. As a result, the reformed medium can have different, ie new properties or functions. This makes it possible, for example, advantageously, existing adhesion and / or cohesion forces are formed by the example. Molecular clusters in the medium, break up. In this case, in particular, molecular clusters are reduced in size, or else further media separated from the medium are separated out in the medium and the medium can become more reactive.

The method also makes it possible to carry out a sorting of molecules, molecular structures and / or molecular clusters within the working space. Thus, for example, it is possible to transport gases dissolved in the medium to the center of the working space, whereby a re-sorting of the medium parts to one another is achieved.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, a stripping gas is introduced into the liquid medium. Stripping media is widely known. When stripping, for example, in a first medium, a second gaseous medium (stripping gas) is admitted, wherein the stripping gas separates out a present in the first medium, for example, dissolved substance. This makes it possible, for example, to reduce oxygen, nitrogen and / or carbon dioxide in water.

In principle, it is possible to filter out a gaseous medium located in the working space at least partially out of the working space or to leave it in the working space. According to a particularly preferred development of the method according to the invention, a salt dissolved in the liquid medium and at least temporarily decomposed into at least one gas component is separated from the liquid medium. Thus, for example, it is possible to reconstitute calcium hydrogen carbonate dissolved in water due to the many turbulences and turbulences to calcium carbonate and carbon dioxide and to lead liberated carbon dioxide out of the working space.

Due to the centrifugal forces acting on the medium in the working space, the carbon dioxide - which is the lighter component compared to the calcium carbonate - migrates to the center of the working space, while the calcium carbonate flows due to its higher weight to an inner wall of the working space.

As a result, a far-reaching separation -bzw. Portioning of the carbon dioxide in the water instead. In addition, due to the increased number of pure calcium carbonate molecules (seed crystals) in the medium increasingly homogeneous calcium carbonate crystals form.

The ability to remove carbon dioxide from the working space prevents re-mixing of the carbon dioxide with the calcium carbonate molecules. If the carbon dioxide is not or only partially removed, it is possible to lead the carbon dioxide with the water and the calcium carbonate crystals out of the working space. In this case, the carbon dioxide present in the medium dissolves in lime deposits located in water-carrying lines. This is because lime deposits are heterogeneous crystals that have lower intermolecular forces than homogeneous crystals. Consequently, it is easier for the carbon dioxide to combine with the heterogeneous crystals of the deposits than with the homogeneous calcium carbonate crystals.

Fig.1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Längsschnitt durch eine erste Ausführungsform eines Strömungsgenerators;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines Längsschnitt durch eine zweite Ausführungsform eines Strömungsgenerator mit einer am Auslass angeordneter Separiereinheit.

Fig.3

eine schematische Darstellung eines Längsschnittes durch eine Ausführungsform eines Auslasses eines Strömungsgenerator.

Ein in Fig. 1 dargestellter Strömungsgenerator 1 weist ein Kopfbauteil 2 mit einem Einlass 3, einer Einlasskammer 4, einer Rotationskammer 5 und einer zwischen der Einlasskammer 4 und der Rotationskammer 5 angeordnete Düse 6 sowie ein Kernbauteil 7 auf. Der Strömungsgenerator 1 ist im Querschnitt rund ausgebildet.In the following, details of the invention will be explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments. In the drawings show:

Fig.1

a schematic representation of a longitudinal section through a first embodiment of a flow generator;

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of a longitudinal section through a second embodiment of a flow generator with a arranged at the outlet separating unit.

Figure 3

a schematic representation of a longitudinal section through an embodiment of an outlet of a flow generator.

An in Fig. 1 Illustrated flow generator 1 has a head component 2 with an inlet 3, an inlet chamber 4, a rotation chamber 5 and a nozzle 6 arranged between the inlet chamber 4 and the rotation chamber 5 and a core component 7. The flow generator 1 is round in cross-section.

The core component 7 is screwed to the head component 2 via a thread (not shown here) and has a radial distributor 8, which is arranged centrally relative to the core component 7 and runs out in pyramidal fashion to form an outer edge 9 of the core component 7. The nozzle 6 is formed by a constriction between the head member 2 and the core member 7, wherein the core member 7 further defines the rotation chamber 5.

On the core member 7, two flow channels 10 a, 10 b are arranged, extending from the rotation chamber 5 extend to a working space 11. In addition, a plurality of connection channels 12, 13 are arranged on the core component 7. The first connection channel 12 has an opening 14 on the outer side 15 of the core component 7 and a second opening 16 which opens in the flow channel 10b. The second connection channel 13 has a first opening 17 on the outside of the flow generator 1 and opens with a second opening 18 in the working space 11. The second connection channel 13 is arranged such that it with its second opening 18 in a central position of the working space 11 empties. The flow channels 10a, 10b have an inclination angle (not shown here) of 20 ° to a longitudinal axis of the flow generator 1.

The working space 11 has the shape of a truncated cone, wherein the narrow end has an outlet 19. The inlet region 20 of the flowing medium (not shown here) into the working space 11 has a larger cross-section than the outlet 19 through which the medium exits the working space 11.

Further, a mixing sleeve 22 is arranged on the flow generator 1. The mixing sleeve 22 is connected via a screw connection (not shown here) to the head component 2 and the core component 7. At the mixing sleeve 22, a collecting channel 23 is arranged, in which the connecting channels 12 open with their respective first opening 14. The collecting channel 23 can be filled via a filler neck (not shown here) with a second medium (not shown here).

In operation, a first medium (not shown here) is filled via the inlet 3 into the inlet chamber 4. In the inlet chamber 4, the medium strikes the radial distributor 8 and is deflected towards the nozzle 6 in a radial movement path. The nozzle 6 accelerates the flowing medium and introduces it into the rotary chambers 5. The rotary chamber 5 guides the flowing medium onto a rotating path. Through the nozzle 6 and the rotary chamber 5 caused strong turbulence in the medium. The swirling and rotating medium is conducted from the rotary chamber 5 into the flow channels 10a, 10b. Due to the angle of inclination of the flow channels 10a, 10b, the flowing medium extends in a rotating manner about its own axis on a spiral path through the flow channels 10a, 10b and enters the working space 11 in the inlet region 20. Simultaneously with the filling of the medium into the inlet 3, the second medium is introduced via the arranged on the mixing sleeve 22 filler neck 24 into the collecting channel 23. The second medium penetrates via the first openings 14 into the connection channels 12.

While the first medium flows through the flow channel 10a, 10b, the second medium is mixed with the first medium via the connection channels 12 opening into the flow channels 10a, 10b. After the exit of the mixed medium from the flow channels 10a, 10b and the entry into the working space 11, a third medium is additionally introduced into the working space 11 via the second connecting channel 13 and into the medium penetrating from the flow channels 10a, 10b into the working space 11 mixed.

The mixed medium flowing out of the flow channels 10a, 10b into the working space 11 enters the working space 11 in bundled form - as a jet. The jet rotates about its own axis and moves in the working space 11 on a spiral path to the outlet 19. Due to the truncated cone-like shape of the working space 11, the rotating, moving on a spiral path medium jet undergoes acceleration to the outlet 19th

Due to the superimposed turbulences, namely by the rotating jet, which moves on a spiral path and the swirling effect enhancing acceleration of the medium to the outlet 19 back, takes place an increased degree of turbulence within the medium, so that the second medium which are mixed into the flow channel 10a, 10b and the third medium which has been introduced into the working space 11 particularly quickly and uniformly with the first medium

An in Fig. 2 illustrated second embodiment of a flow generator 30 has a head member 31 with an inlet 32, an inlet chamber 33, a rotary chamber 34, a the inlet chamber 33 and the rotary chamber 34 connecting nozzle 35 and a connecting channel 36. The connection channel 36 is arranged in the central position of the flow generator 30 and leads through the head component 31 and through a core component 37 and opens into a working space 38. The core component 37 comprises two flow channels 39 which connect the rotation chamber 34 with the working space 38. Next is one pyramid-shaped radial distributor 40 arranged on the core member 37, which directs the first medium in an approximately radial direction of movement.

The head component 31 is connected to the core component 37 via a screw connection 41, that core component 37 is in turn connected to the working space 38 via a second screw connection (not shown here).

The working space 38 has the shape of a truncated cone, wherein the truncated cone in the region of its larger cross section with the core member 37 via the second screw (not shown) is connected and in the region of the smaller cross section of the working space 38 a separating unit 42 is arranged.

The separating unit 42 has a first outflow 43 and a second outflow 44. The first drain 43 is formed as a tube and arranged in the central position to the flow generator 30. The second drain 34 encloses the first drain 43 annularly.

In operation, water (not shown here), for example, is introduced into the inlet chamber 33 via the inlet 32 with calcium hydrogen carbonate dissolved in the water. The water is introduced into the rotary chamber 34 via the radial distributor 40 and the nozzle 35. In the rotation chamber 34, the water is directed onto a rotating path guided via the flow channels 39 in the working space 38 on. The water enters into the working space 38 due to the rotational movement about its own axis as a rotating jet and passes through it on a spiral path.

Due to the strong turbulences that the water experiences through the nozzle 35, the rotation chamber 34 and the flow channels 39, calcium carbonate and carbon dioxide form from the calcium hydrogen carbonate dissolved in the water. After entering the working space 38, the light gaseous carbon dioxide migrates upward in the direction of the core component 37 and is led out of the flow generator 30 via the connection channel 36 which opens into the working space 38.

The calcium carbonate molecules in the water act as seed crystals, so that a homogeneous crystallization takes place in the working space 38. Because of the workspace 38 acting centrifugal forces migrate the heavy calcium carbonate crystals in the wall portion 45 of the working space 38 and can be discharged via the second drain 44 in admixture with water from the working space 38.

In the central position of the working space 38, calcium carbonate-free water accumulates as far as possible, which can be removed from the working space 38 via the first outflow 43.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of an outlet 50 with a molded piece 51 arranged thereon, which is screwed into the outlet 50 via a thread (not shown here). The fitting 51 is chamfered at a first end 53 facing the working space 52. At a side facing away from the working space 52 end 54, the fitting 51 has a Kavitationsprung 55 on.

In operation, the medium (not shown here) passes through the outlet 50. The outlet 50 is further tapered by the fitting 51, so that suction of media through the outlet 50 into the working space 52 is prevented.

Claims (13)

1. Flow generator (1, 30) for the mixing and/or separating of media, with

   - a rotary chamber (5, 34) which is formed such that a first medium flowing into the rotary chamber (5, 34) is set in a rotary motion, wherein the rotary chamber guides the first medium on a rotating track, characterised by

   - a flow channel (10a, 10b, 39), which is formed as a hose or drilled hole or milled hole in a component, connecting the rotary chamber (5, 34) to a working space (11, 38, 52) which is arranged and formed such that, at the inlet into the working space (11, 38, 52), it provides an orientation of the medium exiting from the flow channel (10a, 10b, 39) into the working space (11, 38, 52) when it enters the working space (11, 38, 52), wherein the medium rotating on a track flows out of the flow channel into the working space (11, 38, 52) in bundled form, i.e. enters the working space (11, 38, 52) as a jet rotating around its own axis, and

   - an outlet opening of the flow channel (10a, 10b, 39), facing the working space (11, 38, 52), is arranged and formed such that the exiting medium is directed against an inner surface (45) of a restricting wall of the working space (11, 38, 52),

   - and a connecting channel (12, 13, 36) opening into the flowing medium, which has one opening on the side of the flowing medium and one on the opposite side of the flowing medium,

   - wherein the connecting channel with the opening on the side of the flowing medium opens into the flow channel or into the working space.
2. Flow generator according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flow channel (10a, 10b, 39) has a bend and/or the flow channel (10a, 10b, 39) has a larger cross-section in the connecting area to the rotary chamber (5, 34) than in the connecting area to the working space (11, 38, 52).
3. Flow generator according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the working space (11, 38, 52) has an elliptic or circular shape in the cross-section and/or a larger cross-section in the inlet area of the medium than in an outlet (19, 46, 50) opposite the inlet area.
4. Flow generator according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least two flow channels (10a, 10b), to each of which at least one connecting channel (12) is assigned, wherein the connecting channels (12) particularly advantageously open out into a collecting channel (23), which is arranged on a mixing sleeve (22), at their end facing away from the flowing medium.
5. Flow generator according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting channel (12) is arranged and formed such that it provides an orientation of the medium exiting from the connecting channel (12) into the flow channel (10a, 10b) when it enters the flow channel (10a, 10b).
6. Flow generator according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an outlet nozzle or a fitting (51) is arranged on the outlet (50) of the working space (52).
7. Flow generator according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rotary chamber (5, 34) is connected to an inlet chamber (4, 33) arranged upstream of the rotary chamber (5, 34) in the direction of flow, in which a radial distributor (8, 37) is advantageously arranged, which is particularly advantageously shaped like a cone.
8. Flow generator according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a nozzle (6, 35) is arranged between inlet chamber (4, 33) and rotary chamber (5, 34).
9. Flow generator according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flow generator (1, 30) consists of a precious metal, stainless steel, ceramic material or a composite material out of these materials or of at least two components for which the aforementioned materials are used as composite materials or in combination.
10. Flow generator according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a separation unit (42) is arranged on the working space (38), which particularly advantageously has at least a first and a second outflow (43, 44).
11. Method for the mixing and/or separating of media with a flow generator (1, 30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein:

    - a flowing medium is set in a rotary motion by a rotary chamber (5, 34), characterised in that

    - the flowing, rotating medium is further conducted from the rotary chamber (5, 34) to a working space (11, 38, 52) by means of a flow channel (10a, 10b, 39), which is formed as a hose or drilled hole or milled hole in a component,

    - the flowing, rotating medium having an orientation exits from the flow channel (10a, 10b, 39) into a working space (11, 38, 52), and

    - an outlet opening of the flow channel (10a, 10b, 39) facing the working space (11, 38, 52) is arranged and formed such that that the exiting medium is directed against an inner surface (45) of a restricting wall of the working space (11, 38, 52), wherein a connecting channel (12, 13, 36) opens into the area of the flowing medium, through which a second medium is conducted or discharged.
12. Method according to claim 11, characterised in that the flowing medium is a liquid medium into which a stripping gas is admitted.
13. Method according to claim 11, characterised in that a salt in the flowing, liquid medium, which is dissolved and degraded into at least one gas component at least temporarily, is separated from the liquid medium.

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