GB2058596A - Mixing materials in desired proportions - Google Patents

Abstract

In mixing apparatus in which a plurality of chemical materials are to be incorporated in a predetermined sequence in desired proportions in a carrier liquid, such as water, the materials are combined in a cascaded arrangement of liquid filled chambers, the respective materials being supplied from separate sources (11, 20, 34, 51, 63) by pumps, (13, 25, 40, 56, 68). Delivery of the carrier liquid is effected to a first mixing chamber (15) to which a first chemical material is supplied, the contents of the first mixing chamber (15) is then delivered to a second mixing chamber (35) to which another material is supplied, and then to a third mixing chamber (50) where another material is added, additional mixing chambers and pumps being provided for additional chemical materials. The pumps (1 3, 25, 40, 56, 68) may be simultaneously driven from a single power source (77, 78) each delivering a controlled quantity of chemical material. The material in each mixing chamber may be agitated by suitable means (80, 81, 82) and the mixing chambers (15, 35, 50, 62) may comprise separate receptacles, tanks with partitions or may be pump housings. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Mixing apparatus This invention relates to mixing apparatus for a plurality of different liquid materials.

It has heretofore been proposed to supply a plural ity of fluid components to be combined to a common receiver or supply line. One such system is shown in U.S. Patent No.2,641,271 to Pressler. This may involve difficulties if one or more of the chemical materials is incompatible and the structure required is expensive.

Whitehouse, U.S. Patent No.3,442,453 shows a similar structure.

Jeffree, in U.S. Patent No. 2,600,877, shows a device for mixing fluids in which a main pipe 20 has an interposed interrupter 24 for periodically blocking fluid passing through the main pipe 20. A branch pipe 22 leads into the main pipe through a one way valve 23 in a mixing chamber 26 beyond the inter rupter 24 so that the inertia of the leading column of liquid beyond the interrupter 24 creates a suction to open the valve 23 and draw a small quantity of liquid B from the pipe 22.

In Figure 3 two branch pipes 22 and 28 are shown as fed in series into the main pipe thus necessitating two mixing chambers 25 and 29, two inertia columns 21 and 30 and two interrupters 24 and 31.

In Figure 4 is illustrated apparatus for mixing a very small proportion of fluid B with another fluid A.

Jeffree has no provisions for positive feeding of measured quantities of additives, no provisions for effective agitation to insure mixing, no control in the event of exhaustion of one of the materials to be added and no shutdown when a predetermined quantity of the proper mixture is available.

Stearns, in U.S. Patent No. 2,645,463, shows method and apparatus for continuous flow mixing.

In Figure 3, a common conduit 3 for fluids has con duit elements 11, 12 and 13 with discharge end por tions 11a, 12a and 13a, respectively, opening into the conduit 3. Each of the individual conduit members has structure therein intended for inducing turbulent flow, orifice plate members 11b, 12b and 13b being provided for this purpose. As shown two fluid streams are introduced into the common conduit 3 by the conduits 11 and 12 to be mixed in the zone 14.

The stream is advanced past baffle members 15 to induce turbulent flow in the previously combined stream and to homogenize the mixture in the zone 14 prior to introduction of fluid through conduit 13 and its orifice plate member 13b. The reference to homogenizing indicates an attempt to combine sub stantially immiscrible or difficultly miscible materials rather than combining soluble chemical materials.

Stearns appears to have a continuously flowing stream and is silent asto the manner of supplying the fluid through the individual conduits and does not undertake to supply any measured quantities of materials. Careful sizing of the main conduit of Stearns, and the conduit elements with their orifices, would be required to induce turbulent flow of a character to achieve the mixing and homogenization desired by Stearns if in fact it could be achieved. If the quantities to be introduced were very small in proportion to the fluid stream there would be a serious problem as to the effectiveness of these small quantities to produce turbulence at a mixing zone and serious doubt as to the efficiency of the distribution of the material thus added.

Stearns also has no provisions for shut-off if a material to be added is exhausted and no provisions forshut-offwhen an adequate supply of the mixture is available.

In the present invention mixing apparatus is disclosed for successively adding chamical materials to a carrier liquid, such as water, which may be a solvent and which is the predominant quantitative material and particularly where some of the chemical materials may be incompatible, in a cascaded arrangement of liquid filled chambers in series, the respective chemical materials being separately supplied in the desired proportions by pumps, preferably adjustable asto output, which can be driven from a common power source, the carrier liquid and a first chemical material being delivered to a first mixing chamber and mixed therein with the contents of the first mixing chamber being delivered to a second mixing chamber into which a second chemical material is introduced and mixed, additional mixing chambers with chemical materials supplied thereto being provided to meet the requirements for the number of chemical materials to be brought together, with provisions for preventing black flow and for shutting off operation when one of the materials to be added is exhausted and when an adequate quantity of the mixture is available, the mixing chambers comprising separated receptacles, may be in tanks with partitions, or may be pump housings.

According to the present invention there is provided mixing apparatus comprising a supply connection for a first supply of liquid, means for delivering a measured quantity of liquid from said first supply connection to a first mixing chamber, means for agitating the liquid in said first mixing chamber, a supply connection for a second supply of liquid, means for delivering a measured quantity of liquid from said second supply connection to said first mixing chamber, and liquid delivery means connected to said first mixing chambers.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with particular reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of mixing apparatus of the present invention: Figure 1A is a diagrammatic view of another form of mixing apparatus ofthe invention; Figure 1 B is a diagrammatic view of another form of mixing apparatus of the invention; Figure 2 is a view showing another form of the invention; Figure 2A is a top plan view of a preferred form of mixing apparatus of the invention, part of the lid or cover being broken away two show the interior; Figure 3A is a longitudinal vertical sectional view taken approximately on the line 3A-3A of Figure 2A;; Figure 4A is a transverse vertical sectional view taken approximately on line 4A-4A of Figure 3A and Figure 5A is an exploded perspective view of the tank and cover shown in Figures 1A to 4A.

Referring now to Figure 1 a supply connection 10 for carrier liquid is provided which may extend to a transparent bottle or other suitable receptacle 11 for observing the presence of liquid from the supply connection 10. The nature of the carrier liquid will be determined by the materials to be added and the ultimate use to be made of the liquid mixture. For many purposes the carrier liquid will be water and will be the predominant constituent for some pur poses but the mixing apparatus is not restricted in its use to this specific liquid. Other carriers, including organic liquids, can be employed.

The receptacle 11 is connected by a supply con nection 12 to a pump 13. The pump 13 can be of any desired type for supplying a measured quantity of the carrier liquid. For this purpose a positive dis placement bellows pump having an adjustable stroke to determine the measured quantity of licilu id will serve for purposes where a measured quantity of a few gallons is provided. The pump 13 has a delivery connection 14 to a first mixing receptacle or bottle 15.

A first chemical supply reservoir 20 is provided for a first chemical material to be added and mixed which is preferably connected by a fluid connection such as a delivery pipe 21 through a manually oper able shut-off valve 22 and control apparatus 23 including a bellows responsive to liquid flow to dis continue mixing if the reservoir 20 is empty. Suitable control apparatus for this purpose is shown in prior U.S. Patent No.4,118,150.

The pipe 21 provides a supply connection for a pump 25. The pump 25 can be of any desired type for supplying a measured quantity of liquid from the reservoir 20. Forthis purpose a positive displacement bellows pump having an adjustable stroke to determine the quantity of liquid delivered may be employed. The pump 25 is connected by a delivery connection 26 to the first mixing receptacle 15 and preferably to the lower partthernot A non-return or check valve 27 may be provided in the delivery connection 26.

The first mixing receptacle 15 is connected by a fluid connection 28 to a second mixing receptacle or bottle 35, and preferably to the lower part thereof. A non-return or check valve 29 may be provided in the delivery connection 28.

A second chemical supply reservoir 34 is provided for a second chemical material to be added and mixed in the mixing receptacle 35. The reservoir 34 is preferably connected by a fluid connection 36 such as a delivery pipe through a manually operable shut-off valve 38 and control apparatus 39 similar to the control apparatus 23. Liquid in the fluid connection or pipe 36 is supplied to a pump 40 which is preferably similar to the pump 25. The pump 40 has a fluid connection 41, such as a pipe, to the second mixing receptacle 35 and preferably to the lower part thereof. A non-return or check valve 42 may be provided in the fluid connection 41.

The second mixing receptacle 35 is connected by a fluid connection 43 to a third mixing receptacle or bottle 50 and preferably to the lower part thereof. A non-return or check valve 44 may be provided in the fluid connection 43.

A third chemical supply reservoir 51 is provided for a third chemical material to be added and mixed in the mixing receptacle 50. The reservoir 51 is preferably connected by a fluid connection 52 such as a delivery pipe, through a manually operable shut-off valve 53 and control apparatus 54, similarto the control apparatus 23. Liquid in the fluid connection or pipe 52 is supplied to a pump 56, which is preferably similarto the pump 25. The pump 56 has a fluid connection or pipe 58 extending to the fourth mixing receptacle or bottle 62 and preferably to the lower part thereof. A non-return orcheckvalve 59 may be provided in the fluid connection 58.

Afourth chemical supply reservoir 63 is provided for a fourth chemical material to be added and mixed in the mixing receptacle 62. The reservoir 63 is preferably connected by a fluid connection 64, such as a delivery pipe, through a manually operable shut-off valve 65 and control apparatus 66, similar to the control apparatus 23. Liquid in the fluid connection or pipe 64 is supplied to a pump 68 which is preferably similar to the pump 25. The pump 68 has a fluid connection or pipe 69 extending to the fourth mixing receptacle or bottle 62 and preferably to the lower part thereof. A non-return orcheckvalve 70 may be provided in the fluid connection 69.

The mixing receptacle 62 is preferably connected by a fluid connection 72 to a fluid receiver 73 which may be a tank but is preferably an erspandible bag. A non-return valve 74 and adjustable flow restricting valve 75 may be provided in the fluid connection 72.

The pumps 13,25,40, 56 and 68 may be driven in any desired manner but it is preferred to provide a motor 77 with a shaft 78, shown diagrammatically in broken lines, to simultaneously drive all the pumps The motor 77 is provided with a motor controller 79 for purposes to be explained.

In order to provide agitation adequate to intimately mix and distribute small quantities of chemical materials introduced in the mixing receptacles 15,35,50 and 62, each of these receptacles is provided with suitable agitating structure. For this purpose each of the mixing receptacles 15,35,50 and 62 can be provided with a motor driven recirculating pump 80 with fluid supply and return connections 81 and 82 to the bottom of each mixing receptacle with the return connections preferably angularly disposed within the receptacles for greater agitation.

The motors of the motor driven pumps 80 are preferably connected by an energizing connection 84 from the motor controller 79 through a time delay relay 85 to continue operation of the motor driven pumps 80 even if other portions of the apparatus have been shut off.

The fluid receiver 73 is connected to a delivery line 88 preferably through an adjustable restricting valve 89 and non-return or check valve 90, for use of the resultant fluid with the respective additives i ntimately mixed and distributed therein.

The fluid receiver 73 preferably has a control element responsive to the filled condition thereof, such as a micro-switch 92 which is connected by a conductor 93 to the motor controller 79 for shutting off the motor 77 when a sufficient quantity of liquid is available in the fluid receiver 73.

The liquid presence control elements 23,38, 54 and 66 are connected by a conductor 94 to the motor controller 79 to stop the motor 77 in the event of exhaustion of the chemical materials in any o the supply reservoirs 20,34, 51 and 63.

The mode of operation of the mixing apparatus oi Figures 1 to Swill now be pointed out.

The carrier liquid is supplied through the supply onnection 12 and to the pump 13, which supplies a measured quantity of carrier liquid through pipe 14 to the first mixing receptacle 15. The contents of the receptacle 15 are maintained in a continuous state of agitation by its motor driven pump 30.

The first chemical material in liquid form to be added from the first supply reservoir 20 is delivered through the delivery pipe 21 through the valve 22 ond control apparatus 23 to the pump 25. A rneas- ured quantity of this liquid delivered from the pump 25, es determined by the setting thereof, is delivered through the Fluid delivery connection 26 to the recap- tacle 15 and into the agitated liquid therein. | The liquid from the receptacle 15 íi5 advances, by reason of the continuous additions thereto, through the fluid connection 28 to the interior of the second mi::ing receptacle 35 end into the liquid therein. The con- tents of the receptacle 35 are maintained in a con- tinous state of agitation by motor driven pump 80.

A second chemical material in liquid form from the second supply reservoir 34 is delivered through the delivery pipe 36, the manuel shut-off valve 37 and the liquid presence control 38 to the pump 40.A measured quantity of this liquid delivered from the pump û, as determined by the setting thereof, is delivered through pipe 41 to the interior of the sec ond mixing receptacle 35 and into the agitated liquid therein.

A third chemical material in liquid form from the hired supply reservoir 61 is delivered through the delivery nice s2, the manual shut-off valve 53 end the liquid presence control 54 to the pump 56. A measured quantity of this liquid, delivered from the pump 56 as determined by the setting thereof, is delivered through pipe 57 to the third mixing receptacle 50.

A fourth chemical material in liquid form from the fourth supply reservoir 63 is delivered through the delivery pipe 64, the manual shut-off valve 65 and the liquid presence control 66 to the pump 68. A measured quantity of this liquid delivered from the pump 68, as determined by the setting thereof, is delivered through pipe 69 to the fourth mixing receptacle 62.

The liquid from the fourth mixing receptacle 62 is delivered through the fluid connection 72, as controlled by the adjustable flow restricting valve 75, to the fluid receiver 73 for delivery through the delivery line 88.

It will be noted that the supplies from the supply reservoirs 20,34,51 and 63 are controlled by the valves 22, 37, 53 and 67, respectively. The absence of liquid available in the supply reservoirs 20,34, 51 and 63, as determined by the controllers 23, 38, 54 and 66 is effective to shut-off the motor 77 through the motor control 79 in the event of exhaustion of the contents of any of these supply reservoirs and thereby avoid the waste of chemicals.

It will also be noted thatthe pumps 13,25,40,56 and 68, preferably all driven together by the motor 77 are controlled also by the micro-switch 92 but with continued operation of the motor driven pumps 80 after the motor 77 has been shut off to maintain the continued agitation in the mixing receptacles 15, 35, SO and 62.

Refering now to Figure 2, the structure there shown in similar to that previously described except that the mixing receptacles 15,35, 50 and 62, previ ousiy shown as separate receptacles are brought together in a tank 100, with a plurality of partition welles 101,102 and 103 separating a plurality of mixing chambers 15a, 35a, 50a and 62a, and with a cover 104 at the top. The partition wells 101, 102 and 103 have openings 105, 106 and 107 for advance of liquid respectively through the mixing chambers 15a, 35a, 50e and 62a for delivery, as before through a fluid connection 72.

The carrier liquid is delivered, as before, through a delivery connection 14 with the first additive chemi- cal material delivered from the supply reservoir 20 'hrough the delivery connection 26 to the mixing chamber 153.

The chemical materials from the supply reservoirs 34, 51 and 63 are delivered to the mixing chambers Se, SOS, and 82a through the fluid connections 41, 57 and 59, respectively.

he mode of operation is essentially the same as pointed out with respect to Figure 1 with successive advance through the mi':ing chambers 15a, 35s, SOD and 62a through the openings 105, 106 and 107, with agitation of the liquid in each of the mixing chem- bars to insure adequate mixing and distribution of the additive materials.

The mixing apparatus as shown in Figures 1 and 2 filled with liquid for proper operation.

Reffering now more particularly to Figure 1A a diagrammatic view of the invention is therein shown, Figures 2A to 5A, inclusive, showing the details of the mixing tank 20'.

A supply connection 10' for carrier liquid is pro vided which may extend through a heating vessel 11' having a heating coil 12' therein with an immersion thermocouple 13' connected thereto, to an adjustable controller 14' and to a suitable source of electrical energy for maintaining the temperature of the liquid at the desired level. Athermometer 15' carried by the lid or cover 16' of the vessel 11' permite of visual observation of the liquid temperature in the vessel 11'. The vessel 11' is preferably connected to a transparent bottle or other suitable receptacle 17' for observing the presence of liquid from the supply connection 10'.The nature of the carrier liquid and the temperature at which it will be maintained will be determined by the materials to be added and the ultimate use to be made of the liquid mixture. For many purposes the carrier liquid will be water, and will be the predominant constituent for some purposes, but the mixing apparatus is not restricted in its use to this specific liquid. Other carriers, including organic liquids, can be employed.

The receptacle 17' is connected by the supply connection 10' to a pump 18'. The pump 18' can be of any desired type for supplying a measured quantity of the carrier liquid. For this purpose a positive displacement bellows pump having an adjustable stroke to determine the measured quantity of liquid will serve for purposes where a measured quantity of a few gallons is provided. The pump il8' has a delivery connection 19' to the mixing tank 20'.

A first chemical supply reservoir 25' is provided for a first chemical material to be added and mixed which is preferably connected by a fluid connection such as a delivery pipe 26' through a manually operable shut-off valve 27' and control apparatus 28' including a bellows responsive to liquid flow to discontinue mixing if the reservoir 25 is empty. Suitable control apparatus for this purpose is shown in our prior U.S. Fetent Mo. 4,118,150.

The pipe 26' provides a supply connection for a pump 30'. The pump 30' can be of any desired type for supplying a measured quantity of liquid from the reservoir 25. For this purpose a positive displacement bellows pump having an adjustable strike to determine the quantity of liquid delivered may be employed. The pump 30t is connected by a delivery connection 31' to a predetermined location at the mixing tank 20'.

A second chemical supply reservoir34' can be provided for a second chemical material to be added and mixed in the mb:ing tank 20'. The reservoir 34' is preferably connected by a fluid connection 36', such as a delivery pipe, through a manually operable shut-off valve 37' and control apparatus 38' similar to the control apparatus 28'. Liquid in the fluid connection or pipe 36' is supplied to a pump 40' which is preferably similar to the pump 30'. The pump 40' has a fluid connection 41', such as a pipe, to a predetermined location at the mixing tank 20'.A non-return or check valve 42' can be provided in the pipe 41'.

Athird chemical supply reservoir 45' can be pro vided, if desired, for a third chemical material to be added and mixed in the mixing tank 20. The reservoir 45' is preferably connected by a fluid connection 46', such as a delivery pipe, through a manually operable shut-off valve 47' and control apparatus 48', similar to the control apparatus28' Liquid in the fluid connection of pipe 46' is supplied to a pump 49', which is preferably similarto the pump 30'. The pump 49' has a fluid connection or pipe 50' extend- ing to a predetermined location at the mixing tank 20'. A non-return or check valve 51' may be provided in the fluid connection 50'.

A fourth chemical supply reservoir 55' can be provided, if desired, for a fourth chemical material to be added and mixed in the mixing tank 20'. The reservoir 55' is preferably connected by a fluid connection 56', such as a delivery pipe, through a manually operable shut-off valve 57' and control apparatus 58', similar to the control apparatus 28'. Liquid in the fluid connection or pipe 56' is supplied to a pump 59' which is preferably similar to the pump 30'. The pump 59' has a fluid connection or pipe 60' extend ingto a predetermined location atthe mixing tank 20'. A non-return or check valve 61' may be provided in the fluid connection 60'.

The number of supply reservoirs and associated structure may be increased or decreased, as desired, and to accomodate the specific materials to be incorporated into the liquid finally obtained.

The mixing tank 20', as shown in detail in Figures 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A, preferably has a side wall 65' and 66', end wall 67' and 68', a bottom wall 69' and a top cover 70'. The top cover 70' has a groove 71' thereon with a gasket 72' for engagement with the top edges o' the wails S5',66',67' and 6S'. Screws 73' engaged in internally threaded bosses 74' removably retain the top cover 70' in sealed relation to the tank 20'.

The tank 20' has a plurality of interiorly disposed fixed partition walls 76', 77', 78' and 79', parallel to the end walls 67' and 68', extending bet even and secured to the side walls 65' and 66' and the bottom wall 69' of the tank 20', the partition walls 76', 77', 78' and 79' each extending upwardly to the top cover 70'.

The cover 70', as shown in detail in Figure 5A. has a manifold 80' mounted thereon with a downwardly extending tube 81' communicating with the interior of the manifold 80' for downward delivery of liquid materials, as hereinafter explained, into a chamber A.

The tube 8 | ', spaced upwardly from the bottom thereof has a horizontal plate 83' secured thereto about one third of the distance between the wall 69' and the cover 70', measured from the bottom wall 69', the plate 83' having its side margins spaced from the end wall 67' and contiguous portions of the side walls 65' and 66' to permit liquid to move from a location fez at A below the plate S3' to a communicating location Q' above the plate 83'.

The space bounded by the wall 67', contiguous portions of the side walls 65' and 66' and the partition wall 76' provides a meting location or space at A, below the plate 83', for introduction and mixing of a carrier liquid supplied by the pump 18' through a liquid delivery connection 19', and a first chemical material to be added, supplied by the pump 30' through a delivery connection 31'. The storage space or location ', above the plate 83', receives the liquid from the location A.

The cover 70' has downwardly extending vertical walls 85', 86', and 87' secured thereto, terminating above the bottom wall 69' ofthe tank 20', each having a horizontal plate 88', 89' and 90' secured thereto in spaced relation to the bottom wall 69' of the tank 20', and located about one third of the distance betwean the wall 69' and the cover 70', measured from the bottom wall 69'.

A fluid connection 92' is provided atthe bottom of the space A for withdrawal of liquid and a return fluid connection 93' extending above the bottom wall and having a plurality of nozzle openings 93a' directed toward the wall 76' in the space A, for return of liquid for agitation in the space A for mixing. An electric motor driven pump 95' is preferably interposed between the fluid connections 92' and 93'.

The wall 85' is spaced from the wall 76' and maintained in spaced relation by downwardly extending converging walls 96' (see Figure 4A secured to the wall 76', and spaced at the bottom for a fluid connection 98'.

The top cover 70' has a slot 43' straddling the top edge of the wall 76' which is covered by a plate 44' secured to the top cover 70', to avoid transfer of air or gas to the next space and may be vented if desired.

The top cover 70' has the delivery connection 41' extending therethrough for liquid delivery into the liquid passing in the slot 43' over the top edge of the wall 76' and into the top of the space between the walls 76' and 85' and the converging walls 96' for downward movement to the bottom wall 69' to the fluid connection 98'. The lower part of the location B is also in communication with the fluid connection 98'.

The fluid connection 98' is connected through a motor driven pump 99' to a return fluid connection 100' extending above the bottom wall and having a plurality of nozzle openings 100a' directed toward the wall 77' for return of liquid for agitation in the location B for mixing. The plates 88', 89' and 90', like the plate 83', preferably have their side margins spaced from the side walls 65' and 66' and from the partition walls 77', 78' and 79' respectively, to permit of upward flow from the respective locations B to B', CtoC'andDtoD'.

The walls 77' and 86' and 78' and 87' have therebetween downwardly converging walls 96c' and 96d' similar to the walls 96' with upper fluid delivery connections 50' and 60', lower fluid withdrawal connections 103' and 104' communicating with the locations C and D, and fluid return connections 105' and 106' with nozzle openings 105a' and 106a' directed toward the walls 78' and 79' and interposed motor driven pumps 109' and 110'.

The top cover 70' has a slot 52' therein and plate 53' secured to the top cover 70' and covering the slot 52' above the wall 77', similar to the slot 43' and plate 44', a slot 62' therein and plate 63' secured to the top cover 70' above the wall 78' and a slot 54' and plate 65' above the wall 79'. The slots 52', 62' and 54' operate like the slot 43'.

A collection and storage location E is provided within the tank 20' bounded by the partition wall 79', the end wall 68' and contiguous portions of the side walls 65' and 66' and to which liquid is delivered through the slot 54' over the top edge of the partition wall 79'. The location E has a fluid delivery connection 112' in communication therewith for delivery of the admixed materials for use.

The cover 70' has a pipe 114' connected thereto which is in communication with a receiver 115', preferably an expansible chamber and which may be a bag, for the delivery of entrapped gas or vapor at the location E to the receiver 115' when the level at the location E rises, and for the return of the entrapped gas or vapour when the level falls.

In the interior of the location E, a vertical guide tube 116' is provided having afloat 117' therein with a magnet 118' carried by the float 117'. Upper and lower proximity switches 119' and 120' are provided responsive to the magnet 118' for low level turn-on and high level turn-off as determined by the position of the float 118'. The switches 119' and 120' are connected by a conductor 126' to a motor controller 122'.

The pumps 18', 30', 40', 49' and 59' may be driven in any desired manner but it is preferred to provide an electric motor 121' having a motor controller 122' with a shaft 121a', shown diagrammatically in broken lines, to simultaneously drive all the pumps.

The liquid presence control elements 28', 38', 48' and 58' are connected by a conductor 123' to the motor controller 122' to stop the motor 121' in the event of exhaustion of the chemical materials in any of the supply reservoirs 25', 34', 45' end 55' to avoid waste of chemicals.

In order to provide agitation adequate to intimately mix and distribute small quantities of chemical materials introduced in the locations A, B, C and D, motor driven circulating pumps 95', 99', 109' and 110' are preferably connected by an energizing connection 123' from the motor controller 122' through a time delay relay 124' to continue operation of the motor driven pumps 95', 99', 109' and 110' even if other portions of the apparatus have been shut off.

The mode of operation of the form of the invention shown in Figures 1A to 5A, inclusive, will now be pointed out.

The carrier liquid, heated if desired and to the desired temperature is suppliied through the supply connection 10' to the pump 18' and therefrom to the closed mixing tank 20', the pump 18' supplying a measured quantity of carrier liquid through pipe 19', the manifold 80' and the pipe 81' to the first mixing location Awhile a measured quantity of the first chemical material to be added from the first supply reservoir 25' is supplied by the pump 30', as determined by its setting, to the manifold 80' and the pipe 81' to the first mixing location A. Agitation is effected by the motor driven pump 95'.

The liquid from the location A advances past the plate 83' to the location A' and by reason of the addition of carrier liquid and first chemical addition pas ses through the slot 32' over the upper edge of the partition wall 76'.

A second chemical material in liquid form from the second supply reservoir 34' is delivered through the delivery pipe 36', the manual shut-off valve 37' and the liquid presence control 38' to the pump 40'. A measured quantity of this liquid delivered from the pump 40', as determined by the setting thereof, is delivered by the pipe 41' to the space bounded by the walls 76', 85' and 96' and moves downwardly therein where liquid also delivered thereto from the location B and passes through the fluid connection or pipe 98', by the suction action of the motor driven pump 99', and is returned through the pipe 100' into the location B, the pipe 100', like the other return pipes, having nozzle openings 100a' directed toward the wall 77' for agitation of the liquid at the location B.

The liquid from the location B advances past the plate 88' to the location B', and passes through the slot 52' over the upper edge of the partition wall 77'.

Athird chemical material in liquid form from the third supply reservoir 45' is delivered through the delivery pipe 46', the manual shut-off valve 47' and the liquid presence control 48' to the pump 49'. A measured quantity of this liquid, delivered from the pump 49', as determined by the setting thereof, is delivered by the pipe 50' to the space bounded by the walls 77' and 86' and the walls 96c' and moves downwardly therein where liquid is also delivered thereto from the location C and passes through the fluid connection or pipe 103', by the suction action of the motor driven pump 109', and is returned through the pipe 105' into the location C, the pipe 105', like the other return pipes having nozzle openings 105a' directed toward the wall 78' for agitation of the liquid at the location C.

The liquid from the location C advances past the plate 89' to the location C' and passes through the slot 52' over the upper edge of partition wall 78'.

A fourth chemical material in liquid form from the fourth supply reservoir 55' is delivered through the delivery pipe 56' the manual shut-off valve 57', and the liquid presence control 58' to the pump 59'. A measured quantity of this liquid, delivered from the pump 59', as determined by the setting thereof, is delivered by the pipe 60' to the space bounded by the walls 78' and 87' and the walls 96d' and moves downwardly therein where liquid is also delivered thereto from the location D and passes through the fluid connection or pipe 104' by the suction action of the motor driven pump 110', and is returned through the pipe 106' into the location D,the pipe 106', like the other return pipes, having nozzle openings 106a' directed toward the wall 79' for agitation of the liquid at the location D.

The liquid from the location D advances pastthe plate 90' to the location D' and passes through the slot 62', over the upper edge of partition wall 79' and into the space E.

The cover 70' has the fluid connection 114' extending from the top of the space E to the expansible chamber 115' for transfer of gas to and from the chamber 115' to accommodate the fluctuation in level in the space E.

The delivery connection 112' extends from the space E for delivery of the mixture for use.

It will be noted that the supplies from the supply reservoirs 25', 34', 45' and 55' are controlled by the valves 26', 36', 46' and 56', respectively. The absence of liquid available in the supply reservoirs 25', 34', 45' and 55', as determined by the controllers 28', 38', 48' and 58', is effective to shut-off the motor 121' through the motor control 122' in the event of exhaustion of the contents of any of these supply reservoirs and thereby avoid the waste of chemicals.

It will be noted that the motor driven pumps 85', 99', 109' and 110' are controlled through conductor 123' and time delay relay 124' for continuing the agitation in the spaces A, B, C and D for a predeter mined time for proper mixing.

The level in the space E, as determined by the pos itioning of the float 117' with its magnet 118' in relation to the proximity switches 119' and 120' through the conductor 126' also controls the motor 121'to shut off operation when the float 117' is at its upper position and to initiate operation when the float 117' is at its lower position.

Referring now more particularly to the form of the invention illustrated in Figure 1 B, a supply connection 10" for carrier liquid is provided which is preferably connected to a transparent bottle or other suitable receptacle 11" for observing the presence of liquid from the supply connection 10". The nature of the carrier liquid will be determined by the materials to be added and the ultimate use to be made of the liquid mixture. For many purposes the carrier liquid will be water, and will be the predominant con stituentforsome purposes, butthe mixing apparatus is not restricted in its use to this specific liquid. Other carriers, including organic liquids, can be employed.

The receptacle 11" is connected by the supply connection 10" to a pump 12". The pump 12" can be of any desired type for supplying a measured quantity of the carrier liquid. For this purpose a positive displacement bellows pump having an adjustable stroke to determine the measured quantity of liquid will serve for purposes where a measured quantity of a few gallons is provided. While a single pump 12" is illustrated, if desired and if necessary to provide an adequate quantity of the carrier liquid, a plurality of pumps 12" may be employed or a larger pump adequate for the purpose may be employed.

The pump 12" has a delivery connection 13".

A first chemical supply reservoir 15" is provided for a first chemical material to be added and mixed which is preferably connected by a fluid connection such as a delivery pipe 16" through a manually operable shut-off valve 17" and control apparatus 18" including a bellows responsive to liquid flow to discontinue mixing if the reservoir 15" is empty.

Suitable control apparatus for this purpose is shown in our prior U.S. Patent No. 4,118,150.

The pipe 16" provides a supply connection for a pump 20". The pump 20" can be of anY desired type for supplying a measured quantity of liquid from the reservoir 15". For this purpose a positive displacement bellows pump having an adjustable stroke to determine the quantity of liquid delivered may be employed. The pump 20" is connected by a delivery connection 21" through a non-return or check valve 22" to a first circulating fluid connection 23" which connects a first output or delivery connection 24" of a first rotary pump 25", driven by a motor 26", to the suction connection 27" of the pump 25". The fluid connection 13" is also connected to the circulating fluid connection 23" for introduction of the carrier liquid into that connection.

An upstream tap 28" is provided for delivery of liquid from the first fluid circulating connection 23" to a second circulating fluid connection 30" which connects an output or delivery connection 34" of a second rotary pump 35", driven buy a motor 36", to the suction connection 37" of the pump 35".

A second chemical supply reservoir 40" can be provided for a second chemical material to be added and mixed in the pump 35" and its circulating fluid connection 30". The reservoir 40" is preferably connected by a fluid connection 41", such as a delivery pipe, through a manually operable shut-off valve 42" and control apparatus 43" similar to the control apparatus 18". Liquid in the fluid connection or pipe 41" is supplied to a pump 44" which is preferably similar to the pump 20". The pump 44" has a fluid connection 45" such as a pipe, to a downstream tap on the second circulating fluid connection 30". A non-return or check valve 46" can be provided in the pipe 45".

An upstream tap 48" is provided for delivery of liquid from the second circulating fluid connection 30" to a third circulating fluid connection 50" which connects an output or delivery connection 54" of a third rotary pump 55", driven by a motor 56" to the suction connection 57" of the pump 55".

Athird chemical supply reservoir 60" can be provided, if desired, for a third chemical material to be added and mixed in the pump 55" and its circulating fluid connection 50". The reservoir 60" is preferably connected by a fluid connection 61", such as a delivery pipe, through a manually operable shut-off valve 62" and control apparatus 63", similar to the control apparatus 18". Liquid in the fluid connection or pipe 61" is supplied to a pump 64", which is preferably similar to the pump 20". The pump 64" has a fluid connection or pipe 65" extending to a downstream tap on the third circulating fluid connection 50". A non-return or check valve 66" may be provided in the fluid connection 65".

An upstream tap 68" is provided for delivery of liquid from the third circulating fluid connection 50" to a fourth circulating fluid connection 70" which connects an output or delivery connection 74" of a fourth rotary pump 75", driven by a motor 76" to the suction connection 77" of the pump 75".

A fourth chemical supply reservoir 80" can be provided, if desired, for a fourth chemical material to be added and mixed in the pump 75" and its circulating fluid connection 70".

The reservoir 80" is preferably connected by a fluid connection 81", such as a delivery pipe, through a manually operable shut-off valve 82" and control apparatus 83", similar to the control apparatus 18". Liquid in the fluid connection or pipe 81" is supplied to a pump 84" which is preferably similarto the pump 20". The pump 84" has a fluid connection or pipe 85" extending to a downstream tap on the fourth circulating fluid connection 70". A non-return or check valve 86" may be provided in the fluid connection 85". The fourth circulating fluid connection 70" has an upstream tap 88" for delivery ofthe mixed liquid for use.

The number of supply reservoirs and associated structure may be increased or decreased, as desired and to accommodate the specific materials to be incorporated into the mixed liquid finally obtained for use.

The pumps 12", 20", 44", 64" and 84" may be driven in any desired manner but it is preferred to provide an electric motor 90" having a motor controller 91" with a shaft 92", shown diagrammatically in broken lines, to simultaneously drive all the pumps.

The liquid presence control elements 18", 43", 63", and 83" are connected by a conductor 93" to the motor controller 91" to stop the motor 90" in the event of exhaustion of the chemical materials in any of the supply reservoirs 15", 40", 60" and 80" to avoid waste of chemicals.

The motors 26", 36", 56" and 76" for the pumps 25", 35", 45" and 75" are preferably connected by an energizing connection 94" from the motor controller 91" through a time delay relay 95" to continue operation of the motor driven pumps 25", 35", 55" and 75" even if other portions of the apparatus have been shut off.

The mode of operation of the form of the invention shown in Figure 1 B will now be pointed out.

The system preferably operates as a liquid filled system free from gas or air.

The carrier liquid is supplied through the supply connection 10" to the pump 12" and therefrom through the pipe 13" to the first circulating fluid connection 23" and the first rotary pump 25", the pump 12" supplying a measured quantity of carrier liquid.

Simultaneously, a measured quantity of the first chemical material to be added from the first supply reservoir 15" is supplied by the pump 18" as determined by its setting, through the delivery connection 21" to the first circulating fluid connection 23".

The carrier liquid is supplied through the pipe 13" and the first chemical material is supplied through the pipe 21" into the first agitating and mixing structure comprising the first rotary pump 25" and the first circulating fluid connection 23" from the pump outlet 24" to the suction connection 26". The rapid and continuous circulation and the turbulent nature of the liquid flow in the absence of air is effective for mixing the respective components.

If the motor 26" is one twentieth of the horsepower, operating at about 2000 rpm., and the pump 25" and connection 23" have a capacity of about one or two quarts the fluid will traverse the essentially closed cycle of pump 25" and connection 23" about 16 times per minute with multitudinous agitating impacts by vanes of the pump 25".

The introduction of measured quantities of the carrier liquid and first chemical material in pulses is effective for displacing the same quantities through tap 28" and into the second circulating fluid connection 30".

In the second, third and fourth cycles, in the second, third and fourth rotary pumps 35", 55" and 75" with their circulating fluid connections 30", 50" and 70" the action previously described is repeated with additional chemical materials being successively supplied through the delivery connections 45", 65" and 85", and with continued displacement and advancement from cycle to cycle by input of additional liquid and with delivery of the mixed liquid through the fluid connection 88" for use.

In the event of exhaustion of any of the materials in the chemical reservoirs 15", 40", 60" and 80" the pumps 20", 44", 65" and 84" will be shut down but the motors 26", 36", 56" and 76" will continue to operate for agitation and mixing for a predetermined time interval determined by the time delay relay 95".

Claims (38)

1. Mixing apparatus comprising a supply connection for a first supply of liquid, means for delivering a measured quantity of liquid from said first supply connection to a first mixing chamber, means for agitating the liquid in said first mixing chamber, a supply connection for a second supply of liquid, means for delivering a measured quantity of liquid from said second supply connection to said first mixing chamber, and liquid delivery means connected to said first mixing chamber.

2. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 1 having in addition a supply connection for a third supply of liquid, means for delivering the liquid from said first mixing chamber to a second mixing chamber, means for supplying a measured quantity of liquid from said third supply of liquid to said second mixing chamber, and means for agitating the liquid in said second mixing chamber.

3. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which said means for delivering a measured quantity of liquid is a pump.

4. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 3 in which said pump is a motor driven pump.

5. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 3 in which said pump is an adjustable output bellows pump.

6. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which both said means for delivering a measured quantity of liquid are driven together.

7. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which means is provided interposed between said second supply of liquid and said means for delivering a measured quantity for deactivating said means for delivering upon exhaustion of liquid supplied to said means for delivering.

8. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which said means for agitating the liquid in said first mixing chamber comprises a motor driven pump.

9. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 8 in which said means for agitating is a motor driven pump connected to said mixing chamber for recirculation of liquid therein.

10. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which said liquid delivery means includes a receptacle, and members responsive to the quantity of liquid in said receptacle for deactivating said means for delivering a measured quantity.

11. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which said mixing chamber is a separate receptacle.

12. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which said mixing chamber comprises a closed tank.

13. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 2 in which both said mixing chambers are separate receptacles.

14. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 2 in which both said mixing chambers are disposed in a closed tank.

15. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 2 in which said mixing chambers are disposed in tank means, said second mixing chamber has liquid delivery means connected thereto, and liquid storage means is connected to said liquid delivery means.

16. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 15 having, in addition, a supply connection for a third supply of liquid, means for delivering the liquid from said first portion of said tank means to a second portion of said tank means, means for supplying a measured quantity of liquid from said third supply of liquid to said second portion of said tank means and agitating means for the liquid from said first portion of said tank means and the liquid from said third supply of liquid.

17. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 16 in which means is provided interposed between said supplies of liquid and said means for delivering a measured quantity for deactivating said means for delivering upon exhaustion of liquid supplied to said means for delivering.

18. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 15 in which said tank means comprises a vessel having a plurality of horizontally spaced upright partition walls therein for separating a plurality of liquid containing portions.

19. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 18 in which said tank means has a bottom wall and at least some of said partitions extend upwardly from said bottom wall.

20. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 18 in which said tank has a top cover and at least some of said partition walls extend downwardly from said top cover.

21. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 18 in which horizontal baffle walls are provided in each of the liquid containing portions.

22. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 19 in which said tank has a top cover and at least some of said partition walls extend downwardly from said top cover in spaced relation to the upwardly extending partition walls.

23. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 22 in which supply connections for liquid supply are connected to the space between a continguous pair of upwardly and downwardly extending partition walls.

24. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 22 in which delivery connections are provided communicating with the space between a contiguous pair of upwardly and downwardly extending partition walls and a contiguous liquid containing space in said tank means for withdrawal of liquid therefrom.

25. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 24 in which pump means is provided connected to each of said delivery connections for return of liquid to said contiguous liquid containing space for agitation of the liquid in said contiguous space.

26. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 16 in which agitating means is provided for agitating liquid in said tank means subsequent to the addition of an additional supply of liquid.

27. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 16 in which said liquid storage means comprises a receiving chamber and has associated therewith means responsive to the level of the liquid in said receiving chamber for determining the actuation of said means for delivering a measured quantity of liquid.

28. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 16 in which said liquid storage means has a gaseous fluid receiver connected thereto for reception of gaseous fluid upon rise in liquid level in said liquid storage means and return of gaseous fluid upon fall of liquid level in said liquid storage means.

29. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which mixing means is provided in which said first mixing chamber comprises a rotary pump with a first circulating fluid connection connecting the delivery and suction portions of said rotary pump for continuous liquid circulation, means for delivering measured quantities of liquid from said first supply connection to said mixing means, means for delivering measured quantities of liquid from said second supply connection to said mixing means, and a delivery connection for the liquid from said mixing means, the quantities of liquid supplied from said supply connections displacing a comparable quantity of liquid from said first mixing means.

30. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 29 having in addition a supply connection for an additional supply of liquid, means for delivering the liquid from said mixing means to a second mixing means which comprises a second rotary pump and has a second circulating fluid connection connecting the delivery and suction portions of said second rotary pump for continuous liquid circulation, means for supplying a measured quantity of liquid from an additional supply of liquid to said second mixing means, and a delivery connection for the liquid from said second mixing means, the quantities of liquid supplied from said supply connections displacing a comparable quantity of liquid from said mixing means.

31. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 30 in which said each of said means for delivering a measured quantity of liquid is a pump.

32. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 30 in which means is provided interposed between said supplies of liquid and said means for delivering a measured quantity for deactivating said means for delivering upon exhaustion of liquid supplied to said means for delivering.

33. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 30 in which at least one of said means for delivering said measured quantities of liquid is connected to said circulating fluid connection.

34. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 30 in which both of said means for delivering said measured quantities of liquid are connected to said circulating fluid connection.

35. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 30 in which said delivery connection is connected to said circulating fluid connection.

36. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 30 in which means is provided interposed between said second and said additional liquid supply connections and said means for delivering measured quantities for deactivating said means for delivering upon exhaustion of liquid supplied to said means for delivering measured quantities.

37. Mixing apparatus as defined in claim 36 in which control means is provided for continued operation of said first and second rotary pumps for a predetermined time interval upon deactivation of said means for delivering measured quantities.

38. Mixing apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 1A, or Figure 1B, or Figure 2 or Figures 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A of the accompanying drawings.