GB2291599A - Jet mixer for powdered solids into a fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

Powdered solids are mixed into a fluid using a jet mixer wherein a toroidal flow of the fluid is generated in an annular chamber surrounding an axial flow conduit for the solids supplied front a hopper. The fluid flows into the conduit via an annular slot the dimensions of which can be adjusted as shown in fig 3C. The mixer is for use in oilfield drilling and in blending polymers. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION TITLE A Complete high-performance Mixing System for Hand and Bulk mixing of Powdered dry-Solids into a base fluid.

FIELD Mixing substances together for use in oil-field drilling fluids and blending polr substances in general industry.

HISTORY Existing Mixing systems utilise a standard pipe jet mixer fixed below a hopper.

These mixers have the disadvantage of suffering regular blockage ad poor mixing ability. Also they are not suitable for bulk feeding from storage vessels.

DESCRIPTION While further modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of this invention, the following is a description of one or more examples of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawing 1 Shows an example of an existing mixer System in use at present in the Oil-Industry.

Drawing 2 Shows the mixing system which requires patent protection Drawing 3 Shows the Adjustable Jet-Valve which is the Key Component of the system being regulated from both ends, and showing liquid and dry-powder suction branch.

Drawing 4 Shows the Mounting Positions available for versatile installation.

Drawing 3 A,B and C show in detail fixed and variable annular jet valves which will be applied to this mixer as it is developed Drawing 3A shows a Mixing valve in component form Item 1 is a bulk feed connection Item 2 is the Jacket Item 3 is a discharge jet (fixed) Item 4 is a combination inlet manifold Jet.(fixed) Item 5 reference to tapped holes and align enabling multiple choice points for mounting into a system (drawing 4) Item 6 is a suction line Suitable for powder and liquid transfer Item 7 is the high pressure inlet feed pipe connection (drawing b ) showing mounting angle of feed pipe and jacket end plates.

Drawing c Is an example of two methods of adjusting the annular jet while in operation and will be chosen with regard to suitability per application.

The mixers will be manufactured in combinations of material and include stainless steel carbon steels and plastics Components exposed to high wear rates may be coated with hard facing material ceramics etc.

all components exposed to wear are also interchangeable Drawing 4 shows the mounting geometry for ease of installation into existing piped systems all components can be revolved 360 degree and work hopper positioned to suit work-place.

the work table hopper not shown for clarity While in operation the base fluid should be pumped to the mixer at a pressure in the range of 30-60 psi or to pressure as tested to following manufacture.

The annular jet in operation creates a vacuum under the spade valve and can be used to suck liquid from a barrel and dry powder which is often spilled.

While the area in a standard jet pump mixer which has a 1 inch jet has a cross sectional area of 0.785in/sq this mixer delivers the same volume of base mix but from a 4 inch nozzle thus creating a surface area of 12.56 in/sq for the dry powder to be absorbed There are no physical limits on the dimensions of these valves and operating pressures.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION In accordance with the first aspect of the invention,a device for creating a flow of a working fluid in a conduit comprises a body member forming a portion of the side walls of the conduit.the body member having a through aperture communicating the exterior of the conduit with the interior, the through aperture being such that when a motive fluid is passed through the aperture from the exterior to the interior of the conduit,the direction of entry of the motive fluid into the interior of the conduit is at an angle which is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit to generate the flow of the working fluid through the conduit.

In accordance with the second aspect of the invention apparatus for transporting material from a first location to a second location comprises a conduit connecting the first and second locations,flow generating means to genarate flow of working fluid through the conduit from the first location to the second location,the working fluid flow transporting the material from the first location to the second location ,and obstruction means located between the first and second locatins and actuble to obstruct the interior passage of the conduit between the first location and the second location to substancially prevent working fluid flow between the first and second locations.

Typically,in the apparatus in the second aspect of the invention, the flow generating means comprises a device for passing a motive fluid into the interior of the conduit at an angle which is not perpendicular to the longittudinal axis of the conduit ,Preferably ,the device is a device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

However the device may comprise a feed pipe pipe which enters the interior of the conduit.

Preferably, the apparatus may be for mixing base fluids with powder products and drilling fluids.Typically the apparatus would be used for mixing drilling fluids in exploration of oil and gas.

Typically, the obstruction means may be actuated by an operator of the apparatus and may be a spade-type obstruction valve.preferably,the obstruction means is biaseed to obstruct the interior of the conduit by a biasing means.

Typically,the obstruction means may be coupled to the flow generating means so that when the flow generating means is generating a flow of working fluid,the obstruction means does not obstruct the interior conduit,unless the obstruction means is actuated by the operator.

Preferably, the device of the first aspect of the invention includes adjustment means to adjust the cross-sectional area of the through aperture. Typically,the body member comprises two body portions,the body portions having co-operating surfaces spaced from each other to create the through aperture.Preferably, The co-operating surfaces may direct the motive fluid into the interior of the conduit at an angle of less than 200 relative to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.

More than one through aperture could be provided,but typically a single through aperture is provided which may extend circumferentially aaround the body member.

Drawing 1 Represents a mixing system as used to mix drilling mud on offshore drilling rigs and onshore prep plants.

The base fluid is pumped into the mixer under pressure and sacks of product emptied into the hopper.

The product falls into the path of the Jet and mixes with the base-fluid . The mix is circulated from a tank or pit into the mixer until sufficient viscosity is reached.

These mixers are generally manufactured from standard off the shelf pipe fittings and rule of thumb dimensions, If the product is added to quickly the throat area of the mixer chokes and the base fluid being mixed tends to fill the hopper.

Also the area under the jet tends to clog with product as the jet surface area of fluid cannot entrain the whole stream of product within its geometry.

Drawing 2 Shows the mixing system which requires patent protection . This system will consist of a hopper fitted with load measuring device and ogre feed for the product to be fed into the mixer at a controlled rate The hopper will be mounted on a 8 hole flange and sealed at its base with a spade type valve which opens 100% the area at the base of the hopper.

The hopper and valve are attached to the mixer inlet jet via 8 hole flange.

The inlet jet doubles as a manifold to allow attachment of additional bulk feed pipes and suction lines and is fixed to the outer jacket of the mixer via 8 hole flange.

The opposite end Of the inlet jet is machined at an angle of 2 degrees and when bolted to the jacket aligns with the delivery jet forming a annular jet integral of the jacket.

The jacket of the mixer has its feed pipe attached to it such that fluid pumped into it will circulate around the jacket and out between the surfaces of the inlet and discharge valve comprising the annular jet.

The size of jet opening being determined by the capacity of motive base fluid feed pumps and product to be mixed.

The opposite end of the discharge valve will attach to a 8 hole flange and all holes on all components shall align on the same centre line Connected to the base of mixer valve will be a 90 degree bend of heavy construction also a monitor sub piece and pressure recovery cone.

The monitor sub will contain various devices and be telescopic in its length to enable pressure manipulation The pressure recovery cone converting at 2 degrees over 100mm -150mm x 673mm converts velocity to pressure head.

Claims (6)

1. A COMPLETE HIGH PERFORMANCE JET MIXER FOR HAND AND BULK MIXING OF POWDERED SOLIDS INTO FLUID 1 A complete high performance Jet mixing system comprising of a inlet jet, a jacket for circulating fluid under pressure around the area of the inlet jet and a discharge jet which allows the fluid under pressure to be released from the area of the jacket into the flow-line and combine with the product to be mixed.
2. 2 A complete high performance Jet mixing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein means are provided to adjust the inlet jet to alter the pressure and volume of the fluid which is required to blend with a substance.
3. 3 A complete high performance Jet mixing system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein means are provided to adjust the discharge jet to alter the pressure and volume ofthe fluid which is required to blend with a substance.
4. 4 A complete high perfomance Jet mixing system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 is fitted a 90 degree bend which converts the direction of flow from the vertical to horizontal.
5. 5 A complete high performance Jet mixing system as claimed in any preceding claim, which is fitted with a pressure recovery cone.
6. 6 A complete high performance Jet mixing system substantially as described herein with referance to drawings 1 .2,3abc and 4 of the supplied drawings.