NL2029588B1

NL2029588B1 - Flow control device and mixing assembly comprising said flow control device

Info

Publication number: NL2029588B1
Application number: NL2029588A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Willemarck Nielsen; Adriaan Martens Johan
Original assignee: Magnets For Emulsions N V
Priority date: 2021-11-02
Filing date: 2021-11-02
Publication date: 2023-06-01

Abstract

The disclosure herein relates to a flow control device and a mixing assembly for mixing a first substance with a second substance. More specifically, the flow control device 5 comprising a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a flow passage. The flow passage comprises a constricted portion and a channel portion, wherein the constricted portion is located upstream of the channel portion and is configured to at least partially choke a flow through the flow passage. The control device further has a flow regulating means movably arranged in the housing so as to be movable between a retracted position and an 10 extended position wherein, in the extended position, the flow regulating means at least partially extends in the channel portion to at least partially regulate the choked flow therethrough. Figure 2

Description

Flow control device and mixing assembly comprising said flow control device

Field of Invention

The invention relates to a flow control device. The invention further relates to a mixing assembly for mixing substances comprising said flow control device.

Background

Assemblies to mix substances are known. A shear mixer, a static mixture and a venturi type mixer are but examples of such assemblies. Venturi type mixing devices are particularly suitable for in-line preparation of dispersions or emulsions. However, said venturi type mixing devices are difficult to control.

Typically, shut-off valves are used to control a flow rate at the inlets of the venturi type mixing devices. Said shut-off valves operate using a valve which engages a valve seat to ensure that the shut-off valve closes the flow. The flow control characteristics of shut-off valves are suboptimal. Moreover, in hygienic environments shut-off valves are easily fouled and are difficult to clean.

CN213478522U describes an example of a flow regulating element having an adjustable venturi. The adjustable venturi is formed by a conically shaped valve stem which extends in a venturi tube section. The conical shape of the valve stem allows the diameter of the venturi tube section to be increased or decreased by changing the position of the valve stem within the venturi tube section. Although CN213478522U improves the control of flow through the flow regulating element compared to a shut-off valve, the flow regulating element has the disadvantage that the valve stem is always situated in the flow passage causing an obstruction for the flow. The flow regulating element is also difficult to clean.

As such, it is an object of the invention to provide a flow control device for improving the control of venturi type mixing devices.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the invention, a flow control device is provided comprising a housing and a flow regulating means. The housing has an inlet and outlet. The housing further has a flow passage extending between said inlet and outlet to fluidly connect the inlet and the outlet. The flow passage of the housing comprises a constricted portion and a channel portion. Said constricted portion is located upstream of said channel portion and is configured to at least partially choke a flow through the flow passage. The flow regulating means is movably arranged in the housing so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the flow regulating means extends at least partially in the channel portion to at least partially regulate the choked flow therethrough.

The constricted portion configured to at least partially choke a flow, typically provided with a given pressure and temperature, creates a low-pressure environment in and/or at the downstream end of the constricted portion. The cause of the lower pressure environment is based on the principle of conservation of mass which requires the flow velocity to increase as it flows through the constricted portion. Moreover, the flow regulating means which is movably arranged so as to at least partially extend in the channel portion provides the further advantage that a surface area of the opening formed by the flow passage, seen in a cross-section perpendicular to a direction of the flow passage, defined by the channel portion is adjusted when the flow regulating means is moved from the retracted position to the extended position. Put differently, the flow regulating means obstructs the flow passage in the channel portion, thus reducing the surface area of the opening and further choking the already choked flow in the channel portion, which is situated downstream of the constricted portion. In this way the flow regulating means allows to control a flow rate in the flow control device. This has the further advantage that the flow control device is operable in a wide pressure range and/or flow rate range. The change in cross-sectional area of the flow passage further increases the velocity of the flow at a given pressure, or, when the flow rate is reduced, for example when a smaller batch of emulsion is to be produced, the change in cross-sectional area also allows to maintain the low-pressure environment downstream of the constricted portion even at the smaller flow rate. A similar reasoning is applicable when the flow control device is used in a process having a lower or higher initial pressure. The flow control device therefore allows to control a pressure and/or flow rate at the outlet thereof whilst optimally maintaining a low-pressure environment intended to be used by a venturi type mixing device, because the low-pressure environment created by the constricted portion and the channel portion is beneficial to attract substances due to a suction effect.

Further even, the low-pressure environment generates a highly turbulent flow improving the mixing properties of said venturi type mixing device. A further advantage of the flow control device is based on the insight that during an emulsification or dispersion process the viscosity of a product will increase. This causes the emulsificated product to shear.

Moreover, the pressure and temperature of the product increases. The flow control device allows the adjustment of the flow and/or pressure of the product having increased viscosity such that the shear and the increase in pressure and temperature is attenuated or reduced entirely. In addition, in the retracted position the channel portion is free and unhindered by the flow regulating means. Put differently, the flow regulating means is, in the retracted position, situated such that flow through the channel portion is allowed in an unobstructed way. This has the advantage that the flow control device easily cleanable.

Because the flow control device is cleanable it can be used in Cleaning In Place, CIP, installations reducing maintenance and cleaning downtime of said installation.

Itis preferred that the flow control device further comprises a lining member. Said lining member being configured to at least partially cover a side wall of the housing delimiting the flow passage such that the lining member forms an intermediate layer between the flow passage and the housing. The flow regulating means is configured to operably engage the lining member such that at least a part of the lining member protrudes in the channel portion when the flow regulating means is moved to the extended position. The advantage of the lining member is based on the insight that the turbulent flow causes damage to the side wall of the flow control device, for example by pitting. The lining member which forms an intermediate layer protects the side wall from direct exposure to the flow in the flow passage. Also, the flow regulating means is protected from damage such as abrasion or pitting. Preferably, the lining member is removable as will be elaborated here below, thus allowing easy replacement of the lining member. A further advantage of the lining member is based on the insight that the flow passage delimited by the lining member has improved cleanability characteristics. More in particular, the lining member covers nooks and crannies formed by the housing or, for example, between the flow regulating means and the housing. Said nooks and crannies are typically prone to accumulation of particles. In particular in the food or pharmaceutical industry, accumulation of particles is unwanted as it represents a health and safety risk and are otherwise difficult to clean. By arranging a lining member which forms the intermediate layer between the flow in the flow passage, the housing and the flow regulating means, the flow is confined to the delimited flow passage of the lining member and is thus substantially prevented from interacting with the housing, including said nooks and crannies thereof. Therefore, the lining member improves the cleanability. In this way the flow control device comprising such a lining member is particularly suitable for CIP installations. Preferably, the lining member forms a continuous intermediate layer, for example when the lining member is formed from a single piece of material. In this way the lining member covers the side wall entirely further improving the protection provided to the side wall. This reduces maintenance required to the flow control device.

It is preferred that the lining member has a constricted lining portion and a channel lining portion to the constricted portion and the channel portion of the flow passage, respectively. By having said constricted lining portion and a channel lining portion correspondingly configured to the shape and/or dimensions of the flow passage and more in particular the constricted portion and the channel portion thereof, the lining member benefits from an improved fit within the flow control device and more in particular within the flow passage. In this way, the lining member stays more rigidly positioned even at higher flowrates.

Preferably, the lining member is at least partially made from a resilient material. As such, the lining member is able to recoil or spring back into shape after being engaged by the flow regulating means. In this way, the flow passage is opened up again after being regulated by said flow regulating means. More preferably, at least the channel lining portion of the lining member is made from the resilient material in order to reopen a flow passage through said channel lining portion of the lining member.

More preferably, the lining member is made integrally from the same resilient material. The lining member is more easily produced and has the additional benefit that it is more easily recyclable.

Preferably, the resilient material comprises any one of the following, or a combination thereof silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer, EPDM, nitrile, neoprene, fluor elastomers, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane. Other suitably resilient materials are also possible.

Preferably the lining member has a thickness between 1 mm and 12 mm.

Preferably, the lining member has retaining means which are configured to fixedly retain the lining member to the housing. In this way, the lining member is held firmly in place within the flow passage.

Preferably, the inlet and the outlet are configured to fluidly connect the flow control device to an external device, such as a pipe, other flow regulating modules or units designed to carry out an operation on the flow.

Preferably, a face of the inlet and a face of the outlet are provided with a groove configured to engage the retaining means of the lining member such that, when the flow control device is fluidly connected to an external device, the retaining means is fixedly clamped between the face of the inlet and the external device. By designing the faces of the inlet and outlet as such, one improves the fixed positioning of the lining member within the flow control device, and more in particular within the flow passage. 5 Itis preferred that the flow control device further has an actuator. Said actuator being connected to the flow regulating means, and wherein the actuator is configured for moving the flow regulating means between the retracted and extended position. In this way, the position of the flow regulating means is adjustable in a plurality of intermediate positions between the retracted and extended position using the actuator. It is preferred that the flow control device has a controller configured to control the actuator to move the flow regulating means between the retracted position and the extended position.

Preferably, the flow regulating means has a resilient material arranged at an end thereof.

In this way, one improves the sealing capabilities of the flow regulating means when said regulating means is put in the extended position. Furthermore, when the lining member is used within the flow control device, the compatibility between the end of said regulating means and the engaged surface of the lining member is improved. As such, both the lining member and regulating means are similarly susceptible to mechanical deformities.

This has the benefit that the operating life of both components can be improved.

Preferably, the lining member is configured to be removable from the housing, preferably in a toolless manner. In this way, one may replace the lining member if needed.

According to a second aspect of the invention relates to the lining member, preferably for use in the flow control device as described herein. Said lining member is configured to at least partially cover a side wall of a flow passage of a flow control device such that the lining member forms an intermediate layer between the flow passage and the housing.

Preferably, the lining member has one or more of the features as described earlier above in accordance with the control valve.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a mixing assembly for mixing a first substance and a second substance to form a mixed substance is provided. The mixing assembly thereby has a mixing device and a flow control device as previously described.

The mixing device has a mixing device housing having a first mixing inlet for said first substance, a second mixing inlet for said second substance and a mixing outlet for said mixed substance. The mixing device housing is provided with a mixing flow channel which extends between said first mixing inlet and said mixing outlet. A lateral feed opening is provided in the mixing device housing in a first lateral direction. Said lateral feed opening is connected to said second inlet. The lateral feed opening has a feed axis in the first lateral direction which is substantially perpendicular to the flow axis of the flow channel.

The flow control device is arranged upstream from the mixing device and such that the outlet of the flow control device is fluidly connected with first mixing inlet of the mixing device to allow control of flow of the first substance.

By arranging the flow control device upstream of said mixing device, one can make use of the choked flow within the flow passage for mixing purposes. In addition, one can adjust flow characteristics of the choked flow as needed by means of the flow regulating means such that mix and/or blend parameters can be adjusted as desired. In addition, the low- pressure environment created by the constricted portion can be used to attract substances, such as the second substance, due to a suction effect. Said attracted substances are then sucked into the flow passage such that they can be mixed with the first substance.

Preferably, a further flow control device is arranged upstream from the mixing device such that the outlet of the further flow control device is fluidly connected with lateral feed opening of the mixing device to allow control of flow of the second substance.

Brief description of the figures

The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of devices of the present invention. The above and other advantages of the features and objects of the invention will become more apparent, and the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a mixing assembly according to a preferred embodiment.

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a cross section of the mixing assembly shown in figure 1.

Figures 3A and 3B show a side view of a cross section of the mixing assembly shown in figures 1 and 2, wherein figure 3A illustrates a flow regulating means in a retracted state and wherein figure 3B illustrates the flow regulating means in a partially extended position.

Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a mixing assembly according to a further preferred embodiment.

In the drawings the same or analogous elements have been indicated using the same reference number.

Description of embodiments

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a mixing assembly 1000. The mixing assembly 1000 comprises a flow control device 100 and a mixing device 300. The mixing assembly 1000 is configured for mixing a first substance, illustrated using the arrow having the assigned reference numeral S1, and a second substance, illustrated using the arrow having the assigned reference numeral S2, to form a mixed substance, illustrated using the arrow having the assigned reference numeral S3.

The flow control device 1 and the mixing device 300 will be further described here below

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a cross section of the mixing assembly 1000 illustrated in figure 1. The mixing assembly 1000 is shown to comprise a flow control device 100 and a mixing device 300. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the flow control device 100 and mixing device 300 are correspondingly shaped to integrally form the mixing assembly 1000. In this way, the installation length of the mixing assembly is relatively compact, which facilitates installation. However, it will be clear that the flow control device 100 and the mixing device 300 may also be fluidly interconnected via connection means such as flanges.

The flow control device 100 has a housing 110. The housing 110 provides a robust frame for the flow control device 100. The housing 110 may be fabricated from a metal and is preferably fabricated from a non-corrosive material such as stainless steel. A stainless- steel housing advantageously resists external influences such as corrosion and is also resistant to pressure. The stainless-steel housing is also easily cleanable. This is beneficial when the flow control device 100 is deployed in a clean environment such as in the food and beverage industry.

The housing 110 has an inlet 120, an outlet 130 and a flow passage 140 which extends between said inlet 120 and outlet 130. The flow passage 140 fluidly connects the inlet 120 to the outlet 130 such a flow can pass from the inlet 120 to the outlet. In other words, the inlet 130 is situated upstream of the outlet 130. Figure 2 further illustrates that a mounting attachment 121 is preferably arranged at the inlet 120. The mounting attachment 121 is configured to be attachable to an external device. The mounting attachment can therefore be provided with a flanged portion to allow easy mounting in a piping construction.

Alternatively, the mounting attachments 121 can also be provided with a weld area, which is configured to be welded to a pipe or other external element. The mounting attachments 121 is preferably removably attached to the inlet 120 of the flow control device 100 as will be elaborated here below.

The flow passage 140 has a constricted portion 141 and a channel portion 142. The constricted portion 141 is located upstream of the channel portion 142, preferably directly adjacent to each other. The constricted portion 141 is configured to at least partially choke a flow through the flow passage. The constricted portion is delimited by a side wall of the housing 110. A shape of the side wall defining the constricted portion 141 at least partly determines the compressible flow effect and preferably extends in a pseudo-conical way from an upstream inlet to a downstream outlet of the constricted portion 141. In figure 2 the upstream inlet of the constricted portion 141 is shown to coincide with the inlet 120 of the flow control device 100. However, it will be clear that an intermediary duct may be arranged between the upstream inlet of the constricted portion 141 and the inlet 120 of the flow control device 100. The upstream inlet of the constricted portion 141 has a first cross-sectional area A1. The downstream outlet of the constricted portion 141 has a second cross-sectional area A2. The second cross-sectional area A2 is smaller than the first cross-sectional area A1. The second cross-sectional area is preferably at least two times smaller than the first cross-sectional area A1, more preferably at least three times smaller. The side wall delimiting the constricted portion 141 is preferably shaped to reduce the cross-sectional area of the constricted portion 141 from the first cross sectional area A1 to the second cross-sectional area A2 along the flow-axis of the flow passage 140. The cross-sectional area may be reduced in a continues way or stepwise.

The upstream inlet of the constricted portion 141 preferably has a substantially circular form. This allows an easy tie-in to existing pipe structures. The upstream inlet of the constricted portion 141 preferably has a substantially circular form.

The downstream outlet of the constricted portion 141 is fluidly connected to an upstream inlet of the channel portion 142. In a preferred embodiment where the constricted portion 141 and channel portion 142 are located immediately adjacent to each other, the downstream outlet of the constricted portion 141 and the upstream inlet of the channel portion 142 coincide and have the same cross-sectional area A2. Put differently, the downstream outlet of the constricted portion 141 forms the inlet to the channel portion 142. The constricted portion 141 thus provides a choked flow to the channel portion 142.

Figure 2 show that the constricted portion 141 and the channel portion 142 have a flow axis which extends in the same direction. However, the constricted portion or the channel portion may be eccentrically positioned with respect to each other such that their flow axis form an angle.

The channel portion 142 extends between its upstream inlet and its downstream outlet.

According to the illustrated preferred embodiment the downstream outlet of the channel portion 142 coincides with the outlet 130 of the flow control device 100. However, even though this is not shown, similarly to the inlet 120, the outlet 130 may also be provided with a respective mounting attachment.

Figure 2 shows that the channel portion 142 may have a slit shape wherein a width of the channel portion in the vertical direction is smaller than a width in the horizontal direction.

In this preferred embodiment the upstream inlet and downstream outlet of the channel portion have the same slit shape and the side wall 111 of the housing delimiting the channel portion 142 extends between said upstream inlet and downstream outlet without substantially changing the cross-sectional area of the channel portion 142. The channel portion 142 thus comprises a cross-sectional area which remains constant seen along the flow axis of the channel portion 142.

Figure 2 further illustrates that the flow control device 100 comprises a flow regulating means 150. The flow regulating means 150 is movably arranged in the housing so as to be movable between a retracted position 150a and an extended position 150b, shown in figures 3A and 3B respectively. In the extended position 150b, the flow regulating means atleast partially extends in the channel portion 142. In this way a part of the channel portion 142 has its cross-sectional area reduced, further choking the already choked flow to at least partially regulate the choked flow therethrough. This has the further advantage that the flow control device 100 is operable in a wide pressure range and/or flow rate range. Preferably, the flow control device is operable between 0.5 bar to 32 bar. The change in cross-sectional area of the channel portion 142 further increases the velocity of the product flowing therethrough. The velocity of the product is relational to a pressure,

viscosity and mass flow rate thereof. For example, when the flow rate is reduced, for example when a smaller batch of emulsion is to be produced, the change in cross- sectional area also allows to maintain the low-pressure environment downstream of the constricted portion 141 even at the smaller flow rate. A similar reasoning is applicable when the flow control device 100 is used in a process having a lower or higher initial pressure. The flow control device can for example be used with an inlet pressure at the inlet 120 of, for example, 5 bar, 1 bar or 12 bar. The flow control device 100 allows to control a pressure and/or flow rate at the outlet 130 whilst optimally maintaining a low- pressure environment intended to be used by a venturi type mixing device 300. This low- pressure environment created by the constricted portion 141 and the channel portion 142 is beneficial to attract substances due to a suction effect at the first inlet 321 of the mixing device 300. Although this is not shown, the flow regulating means may also extend in the channel portion 142 to close the channel portion 142 entirely. In this way the flow control device serves the purpose of a shut-off valve but also comprises optimal flow characteristics. Preferably, the flow regulating means 150 comprises a plate shaped to correspond to the size of the channel portion 142, particularly shaped to extend over the entire width of the channel portion 142. In this way the channel portion 142 is at least partially closed over the entire width. In preferred embodiment the flow regulating means 150 is configured to close the channel portion 142 in the extended position. Preferably the flow regulating means 150 is controllable, as will be elaborated with respect to figures 3A and 3B.

Figure 2 further illustrates that the flow control device 100 preferably comprises a lining member 200. The lining member 200 is configured to at least partially cover the side wall 111 of the housing 110 delimiting the flow passage 140. In this way an intermediate layer between the flow passage 140 and the housing 110 is formed. It is preferred that the cross-sectional area of the flow passage 140 is substantially maintained. For this reason, the lining member 200 has a maximum thickness between 1 mm and 12 mm. It will be clear that arranging the lining member 200 in the flow control device 100 reduces the cross-sectional area of the flow passage 140, the flow passage 140 may also be designed considering the thickness of the lining member 200 to maintain a required flow rate.

Preferably, the lining member comprises a constricted lining portion 241 and a channel lining portion 242 corresponding to the constricted portion 141 and the channel portion 142 of the flow passage, respectively. By having said constricted lining portion 241 and a channel lining portion 242 correspondingly configured to the shape and/or dimensions of the flow passage and more in particular the constricted portion 141 and the channel portion 142 thereof, the lining member 200 benefits from an improved fit within the flow control device and more in particular within the flow passage. In this way, the lining member stays positioned even at higher flowrates. Preferably, the lining member is at least partially made from a resilient material. More preferable at least the channel lining portion 242 is made from the resilient material. Such resilient material may comprise any one of the following, or a combination thereof silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer, EPDM, nitrile, neoprene, fluor elastomers, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane. Other suitably resilient materials may also be used.

Moreover, in figure 2 it is shown that the flow regulating means 150 is configured to operably engage the lining member 200 such that at least a part of the lining member protrudes in the channel portion when the flow regulating means is moved to the extended position, this will be elaborated in relation to in figures 3A and 3B.

The lining member 200 is further provided with retaining means 210 configured to fixedly retain the lining member to the housing. Also, a plurality of retaining means 210 may be provided, for example, first retaining means 210a are arranged at the upstream inlet of the lining member 200, also named the lining inlet and second retaining means 210b are arranged at the downstream outlet of the lining member 200, also named the lining outlet.

The retaining means 210 are configured to extend outwardly away from flow axis of the flow passage 140. This allows clamping of the retaining means between a face of the flow control device 100 and an external device, for example, the flanged attachment illustrated in figure 2. On the one hand the retaining means functions as a packing between the flow passage 140 and the outside. On the other hand, the retaining means fixedly retains the lining member in position. The retaining means 210 may also be provided with a ridge having for example a T or L shape. The flow control device 100 may be provided with a groove which is configured and arranged to correspond to retaining means 210 in order to hold the lining member in place. In the shown preferred embodiment, a first groove is provided at a face near the inlet 120. A further groove is provided at a face 3Anear the outlet 130. Said grooves are configured to engage the retaining means and further limit the moving of the lining member in a relatively simple manner.

Figure 2 further illustrates that the flow control device 100 is preferably for use in a mixing assembly 1000 configured for mixing a first substance S1, and a second substance S2 to form a mixed substance S3. For mixing the first and second substance S1, S2, the mixing assembly is provided with a mixing device 300 comprising a mixing device housing

310 having a first mixing inlet 321 for said first substance S1, a second mixing inlet 322 for said second substance and a mixing outlet 330 for said mixed substance. The first substance S1 may be a mixed substance comprising for two or more components. The mixed substance may already be substantially mixed but may also be put through the flow control device 100 and the mixing device 300 such that the turbulent flow generated by these devices may optimally mix the two or more components. The second substance S2 may also be a mixed substance comprising two or more components. The first and second inlets 321, 322 and the mixing outlet 330 may be provided with respective flanges for connecting respective pipes. An advantage of the combination of the flow control device 100 and the mixing device 300 is based on the insight that during an emulsification or dispersion process the viscosity of a product will increase. In the case of an emulsification process, this causes the emulsified product to shear. Moreover, the pressure and temperature of the product increases. The flow control device 100 allows the adjustment of the flow S1 and/or S2 and/or pressure of the product having increased viscosity such that the shear and the increase in pressure and temperature is attenuated or reduced entirely. In addition, in the retracted position the channel portion 142 is free and unhindered by the flow regulating means. Put differently, the flow regulating means 150 is, in the retracted position, situated such that flow through the channel portion 142 is allowed in an unobstructed way. This has the advantage that the flow control device 100 easily cleanable. Because the flow control device 100 is easily cleanable it can be used in

Cleaning In Place, CIP, installations reducing maintenance and cleaning downtime of said installation.

The mixing device housing 310 is provided with a mixing flow channel which extends between said first mixing inlet 321 and said mixing outlet 330. Moreover, a lateral feed opening 340 is provided in the mixing device housing 310 in a first lateral direction. The lateral feed opening 340 is connected to said second inlet 322, the opening 340 having a feed axis in said first lateral direction which is substantially perpendicular to the flow axis of the mixing flow channel. In the figure 2 the flow axis of mixing flow channel coincides with the flow channel of the flow control device.

The mixing device housing 310 is provided with an expansion portion 350 downstream from the lateral feed opening 340. The expansion portion is pseudo-inverse to the constriction portion 141 of the flow control device 100. The expansion portion has a cross- sectional area at an upstream inlet of the expansion portion 350 and a cross-sectional area at a downstream outlet thereof. The cross-sectional area at the upstream inlet of the expansion portion 350 is smaller than a cross-sectional area at the downstream outlet. In this manner the mixing flow channel is widened. This widened section causes the turbulent eddies improving the mixing capabilities of the mixing device. In between the upstream inlet of the expansion portion 350 and the downstream outlet, the housing has a pseudo-conical shape.

The mixing device housing 310 may be provided with a magnetic field (not shown) after the opening 340, such that the mixing substance may circulate through a magnetic field in order to influence the conditions of the flow.

The flow control device 100 is connected to a mixing device 300. The flow control device 100 is arranged upstream of the mixing device 300 and is connected with its outlet 130 to an inlet of the mixing device 300, for example the first mixing inlet 321 of the mixing device 300. Similarly, to the flow control device 100, the illustrated mixing device 100 comprises a cylindrical outlet 330 to facilitate connection to for example piping. Also, the first mixing inlet 321 is slit-shaped to correspond to the slit-shaped outlet 130 of the flow control device 100.

Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a side view of a cross section of the mixing assembly shown in figures 1 and 2. Figure 3A illustrates a flow regulating means in a retracted state and figure 3B illustrates the flow regulating means 150 in a partially extended position.

As has been previously describes, the flow regulating means 150 is movably arranged in the housing 110 of the flow control device 100. Particularly, the flow regulating means 150 movable between a retracted position 150a and an extended position 150b, shown in figures 3A and 3B respectively. In figure 3A it is shown that in the retracted position 150a, the flow passage, particularly, the channel portion 142 thereof, is substantially free from obstruction by the flow regulating means 150. In other words, the cross-sectional area of the channel portion is maximally available to allow flow to pass through. A flow rate of the medium flowing through the channel portion 142 is typically maximised, although it will be apparent that further influence of for example an upstream pressure may increase or decrease said flow rate.

In figure 3B, the flow regulating means 150 is illustrated in the extended position 150b. In the extended position 150b, the flow regulating means at least partially extends in the channel portion 142. In this way a part of the channel portion 142 has its cross-sectional area reduced, further choking the already choked flow to at least partially regulate the choked flow therethrough. The flow regulating means 150 may also entirely close the channel portion 142 in the extended position {not shown). This will shut-off the flow through the channel portion entirely.

As schematically illustrated in figures 3A and 3B, the flow control device 100 is preferably further provided with an actuator 400. Said actuator 400 is connected to the flow regulating means 150 and is configured for moving the flow regulating means 150 between the retracted and extended position. In this way, one can control flow parameters via the actuator 400. For example, the actuator may comprise a solenoid coil system with a spring. In more preferred embodiments, a controller 410 is provided and configured to control the actuator to move the flow regulating means between the retracted position and the extended position. As such, flow parameters can be adjusted via the controller 410.

For example, the controller 410 may send an electronic signal to the solenoid coil system.

In this way, the position of the flow regulating means 150 is adjustable in a plurality of intermediate positions between the retracted and extended position using the actuator 400.

The flow control device 100 as described herein can be used within many applications requiring flow control. preferably, the flow control device 100 is used in combination with the mixing assembly 1000. The flow control device 100 may for example also be used to control a flow of the medium S2 as shown in figure 3B. The mixed substance S3 is preferably an emulsion or a dispersions, such as a cosmetic or pharmaceutical emulsion or gel, or a food emulsion or dispersion, such as a mayonnaise, a pectine solution, a batter or a sauce. Examples of a first substance may comprise: a carrier, such as water or air. Examples of a second substance may comprise: a powder, granulated or flaked products. The mixing assembly as described herein has been found effective for inline mixing of flour, grains, liquids, and the like.

Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a mixing assembly according to a further preferred embodiment. According to the preferred embodiment, the housing of the flow control device 100 comprises a first housing part 100a and a second housing part 100b. the first housing part 100a and the second housing part 100 are modularly connectable.

For this reason, the first and second housing parts 100a, 100b may be provided with a fixation means configured to interconnect the first housing part to the second housing part. The fixation means may be a threaded hole correspondingly provided in each of the first and second housing part 1004, 100b, such that when a further fixation means, such as a threaded bolt, is inserted in the threaded hole the first housing part is fixed to the second housing part. It is preferred that the fixation means are removable such that the first and second housing part are removably fixable to each other. This facilitates maintenance and also allows removing the lining member 200. In this way the lining member 200 can be configured to be removable such that it can be replaced at regular intervals to maintain the flow control device 100 in optimal working conditions. It is not essential that the fixation means are threaded. An interconnecting fixation means such as a clamp or ratchet may also be provided.

To improve alignment of the flow passages between the flow control device 100 and the mixing device 300, alignment means may be provided.

The invention has thus been described by means of preferred embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that this disclosure is merely illustrative. Various details of the structure and function were presented, but changes made therein, to the full extent extended by the general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed, are understood to be within the principle of the present invention. The description and drawings shall be used to interpret the claims. The claims should not be interpreted as meaning that the extent of the protection sought is to be understood as that defined by the strict, literal meaning of the wording used in the claims, the description and drawings being employed only for the purpose of resolving an ambiguity found in the claims. For the purpose of determining the extent of protection sought by the claims, due account shall be taken of any element which is equivalent to an element specified therein.

An element is to be considered equivalent to an element specified in the claims at least if said element performs substantially the same function in substantially the same way to yield substantially the same result as the element specified in the claims.

Claims

Conclusions

A flow control device (100), preferably for use with a Venturi-type mixing device, the flow control device comprising: - a housing (110) having an inlet (120), an outlet (130) and a flow channel (140) located extending between the inlet and outlet to fluidly connect the inlet and outlet, the flow channel including a constricted portion (141) and a channel portion (142), the constricted portion being located upstream of the channel portion and being adapted to at least partially throttle a flow through the flow channel; - a flow control means (150) movably mounted in the housing to be movable between a retracted position (1502) and an extended position (150b) wherein, in the extended position, the flow control means extends at least partially into the channel portion to at least at least partially control the throttled flow through it.

The flow control device (100) of the preceding claim, further comprising: a liner member (200) arranged to cover at least a portion of a side wall (111) of the housing defining the flow channel such that the liner member forms an intermediate layer between the flow channel and the housing; and wherein the flow control means is adapted to operatively engage the liner member such that at least a portion of the liner member protrudes into the channel portion when the flow control means is moved into the extended position.

The flow control device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the liner member comprises a constricted liner portion (241) and a channel liner portion (242) respectively corresponding to the constricted portion (141) and the channel portion (142) of the flow channel.

The flow control device (100) of any one of claims 2-3, wherein the liner member is made at least in part from an elastic material.

The flow control device (100) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein at least the channel liner portion is made of the elastic material.

The flow control device (100) according to any one of claims 4-5, wherein the elastic material comprises one of the following materials, or a combination thereof: silicone,

ethylene propylene diene monomer, EPDM, nitrile, neoprene, fluoroelastomers, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane.

The flow control device (100) of any one of claims 2-6, wherein the liner member includes a fastener (210) adapted to fixedly attach the liner member to the housing.

The flow control device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet and outlet are adapted to fluidly connect the flow control device to an external device, such as a pipe.

The flow control device (100) according to the preceding claims 7 and 8, wherein an inlet face and an outlet face are provided with a groove (111) arranged to engage the fasteners so that when the flow control device is connected to an external device, the fasteners are clamped between the surface of the inlet and the external device

The flow control device (100) according to any one of claims 2-9, wherein the liner member has a thickness of between 1 mm and 12 mm.

The flow control device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuator (50) connected to the flow control means, and wherein the actuator is configured to move the flow control means between the retracted and extended positions.

The flow control device (100) of the preceding claim, further comprising a control device arranged to control the actuator to move the flow control means between the retracted and extended positions.

The flow control device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow control means (150) comprises an elastic material disposed at an end (151) thereof.

The flow control device (100) according to any of the preceding claims 2-13, wherein the liner member is arranged to be removable from the housing, preferably in a tool-less manner.

A liner member (200), preferably for use in the flow control device of any preceding claim, wherein the liner member is adapted to cover at least part of a side wall (111) of a flow channel of a flow control device so that the liner member provides an intermediate layer forms between the flow channel and the housing.

The liner member of the preceding claim, wherein the liner member comprises a constricted liner portion (241) and a channel liner portion (242).

The liner member of any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein the liner member is made at least in part from an elastic material.

The liner member of any one of claims 16 and 17, wherein at least the channel liner portion is made of the elastic material.

The liner member of any one of claims 15-18, wherein the elastic material comprises one of the following materials, or a combination thereof: silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer, EPDM, nitrile, neoprene, fluoroelastomers, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane.

The liner member of any one of claims 15-19, wherein the liner member includes a fastener (210) adapted to fixedly attach the liner member to the housing.

The liner member of any one of claims 15-20, wherein the liner member has a thickness of between | mm and 12 mm.

22. A mixing assembly (1000) for mixing a first substance and a second substance to form a mixed substance, the mixing assembly comprising: - a mixing device (300) comprising a mixing device housing (310) having a first mixing inlet (321) for the first substance comprises a second inlet (322) for the second substance and a mixing outlet (330) for the mixed substance, the mixing device housing having a mixing flow channel extending between the first mixing inlet and the mixing outlet, wherein a lateral supply port ( 340) is provided in the mixing housing in a first lateral direction, the lateral supply opening being connected to the second inlet, and said opening having a supply axis in the lateral direction that is substantially perpendicular to the flow axis of the flow channel; - a flow control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the flow control device is arranged upstream of the mixing device so that the outlet (130) of the flow control device is fluidly connected to the first mixing inlet (321) of the mixing device to control of the flow of the first substance.

The mixing assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein a further flow control device is arranged upstream of the mixing device such that the outlet of the further flow control device is fluidly connected to the lateral feed port of the mixing device to permit control of the flow of the second substance. to stand.