WO2004052496A1 - Procede et appareil pour melanger des liquides, separer des liquides, et separer des solides des liquides - Google Patents

Procede et appareil pour melanger des liquides, separer des liquides, et separer des solides des liquides Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004052496A1
WO2004052496A1 PCT/US2002/039623 US0239623W WO2004052496A1 WO 2004052496 A1 WO2004052496 A1 WO 2004052496A1 US 0239623 W US0239623 W US 0239623W WO 2004052496 A1 WO2004052496 A1 WO 2004052496A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
ring
grooves
gas
cylinder
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2002/039623
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Johnny Arnaud
Original Assignee
Hydrotreat, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hydrotreat, Inc. filed Critical Hydrotreat, Inc.
Priority to PCT/US2002/039623 priority Critical patent/WO2004052496A1/fr
Priority to AU2002368451A priority patent/AU2002368451A1/en
Publication of WO2004052496A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004052496A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D19/00—Degasification of liquids
    • B01D19/0063—Regulation, control including valves and floats
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
    • B01D21/26—Separation of sediment aided by centrifugal force or centripetal force
    • B01D21/267—Separation of sediment aided by centrifugal force or centripetal force by using a cyclone
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/232—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles
    • B01F23/2323—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles by circulating the flow in guiding constructions or conduits
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F25/30—Injector mixers
    • B01F25/31—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows
    • B01F25/314—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows wherein additional components are introduced at the circumference of the conduit
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2221/00—Applications of separation devices
    • B01D2221/02—Small separation devices for domestic application, e.g. for canteens, industrial kitchen, washing machines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2221/00—Applications of separation devices
    • B01D2221/06—Separation devices for industrial food processing or agriculture

Definitions

  • the invention relates to methods and apparatus of physical separation of solids from fluids or for mixing two fluids. More specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for separating solids from fluids and mixing fluids by using a ring having a plurality of grooves through which fluid passes.
  • the methods and apparatus of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in treatment of aqueous fluids, such as water and wastewater, by dynamic separation of contaminants to be removed and by dynamic mixing of treating agents to be added as part of treatment.
  • grease interceptors commonly called “grease traps”
  • grey traps installed in wastewater outlets with sampling wells downstream of the grease traps before the discharge enters the public sewage lines so the authorities can check the discharge from each facility.
  • the grease traps become full, the contaminants collected in them are removed by vacuum trucks and further treated before discharging to the public sewage.
  • animal fat rendered during the cooking process can congeal when mixed with cold water and clog up the drain lines from the kitchens to the grease traps. When this occurs, the businesses may be shutdown and typically require routing out with a rotor cutter driven by a mechanical cable to open the lines.
  • Bacteria are active only at the limited outer surface of the contaminants to be consumed as food.
  • the bacteria produce enzymes to disperse the contaminants and increase the amount of surface, and the amount ⁇ f food, available to them. A different enzyme may be required to disperse each contaminant present.
  • bacteria can reproduce in large quantities in very short periods of time. Oxygen dissolved in the water drained into grease traps can become quickly depleted, and aerobic bacteria (those requiring oxygen continuously in order to survive) die. This leaves the task of consuming the contaminants to the anaerobic bacteria (those requiring the absence of oxygen in order to survive).
  • Anaerobic bacteria are not as efficient as aerobic bacteria in consuming the contaminants, and they also produce offensive odors in the process of consuming their food. The offensive odors are prevalent around businesses with grease traps.
  • Feeding aerobic bacteria in the drain lines from the kitchens has been somewhat successful at either keeping the lines from clogging or increasing the intervals between the times mechanical routing is required. As soon as the aerobic bacteria reaches the grease trap with the oxygen depleted, they die.
  • oxygen reaches the anaerobic bacteria on the bottom of the grease trap they die. Therefore, a periodic kill of the anaerobic bacteria on the solids settled on the bottom of the grease trap can be expected.
  • the solids on the bottom of the grease trap can become packed and act as a seal to prevent oxygen from penetrating into the solids. Only floating contaminants are then consumed by the aerobic bacteria. The offensive odors are also not eliminated.
  • Water used for vehicle washing typically contains significant amounts of suspended solids, dissolved minerals, and organic materials, including oils and other hydrocarbons. Detergents and other chemicals used in the wash operation present further difficulties to the discharge problems.
  • the wash water with the contaminants is typically drained into some type of still pool as a pit or sump. Some of the still pools function as settling basins for the suspended solids and as oil interceptors similar to the grease traps used in food processing facilities.
  • the water is typically reused in the washing part of the wash cycle until it becomes apparent that the quality of the vehicle wash is no longer satisfactory.
  • Vacuum trucks are then used to remove the contaminants from the sumps and haul them away to disposal sites.
  • Still pools are optimal breeding ground for anaerobic bacteria, which give off a strong and unpleasant odor.
  • the offensive odors are often detected by customers, especially early in the morning when the systems have been shutdown for the night. Bubbling large quantities of air in the still pools can reduce the offensive odors.
  • the bubbling of air continuously can cause a foaming problem in the sumps.
  • governmental regulations may limit the amount of contaminants that can be discharged into the public sewer systems and totally prevent discharge to the environments.
  • U.S. Patent 5,647,977 discloses that the water from vehicle wash facilities can be completely recycled, without water discharge.
  • a complete recycling system may not be cost justified.
  • aeration by dissolved oxygen can be used to element the foul odors without the foaming problems typically caused by continuously bubbling air in the sumps.
  • Additional treatment to remove the suspended solids and reduce the organic materials in the sump, other than detergents, can render the water suitable for reuse in the washing part of the vehicle wash cycle, or for discharge where permitted in selected public sewage systems.
  • An industry having the need to aerate water is the livestock industry.
  • Concentrated animal feeding operations including cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, horses, etc. typically have ponds called "lagoons" in which all animal waste is collected.
  • Aeration with dissolved air in water continuously circulating through the lagoons allows naturally occurring bacteria to thrive in the nutrient rich environment of lagoons and greatly accelerate decomposition of the organic waste.
  • aquatic farms, such as for fish and shrimp, with concentrations of species may require injection of supplementary oxygen in the water to replace oxygen consumed by decaying plants.
  • a typical cyclone filter is an apparatus that can be used to separate suspended solids from fluids (such as solids from water and air) and to separate fluids of different densities (such as oil and water) by using the centrifugal force caused by a forced spiral vortex.
  • the external force used to generate the spiral vortex in a cyclone filter is typically provided by injecting a stream of a contaminated fluid at high velocity into the filter at one end perpendicular and at a tangent to the cylinder in which the fluid circulation occurs.
  • the axis of circulation in a cyclone filter can be at any angle from vertical to horizontal.
  • the design of the cyclone filter has to account for the differences in the direction of the forces of gravity acting on the fluid as it flows while circulating with or against the forces of gravity.
  • cyclone filters typically have only one inlet through which the fluid and contaminant mixture is introduced.
  • the single inlet may be typically round or rectangular.
  • the inlet must supply fluid tangentially to the filter. This may lead to difficulties in certain applications.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,882,530 describes using a cyclone separator in which the lower frustoconical surface contains porous surfaces.
  • the cyclone separator of the '530 patent may be used for separating a suspension.
  • particles concentrate along the inner walls of the apparatus as a result of centrifugal forces and tend to clump together and adhere to the porous walls. This clump formation or caking impedes the exit of the carrier fluid through the porous walls.
  • Other attempts include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,021,165, 5,478,484, and
  • the present invention provides a new method and apparatus for separation of suspended solids from aqueous fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids.
  • An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention may employ a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided streams.
  • a grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiraled may be employed to create a high velocity circular motion on the divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquids with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser.
  • a grooved ring with any number of grooves, that may be radial, is described in another embodiment as fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.
  • a cyclone filter of the present invention consists of a spiral- grooved ring inlet, a down-flow annulus between a long outer cylinder and a short inner cylinder, a wider solid particle collection chamber below the long cylinder, a fluid interceptor positioned just below the long cylinder in the collection chamber, and a vortex finder and outlet in the inside diameter of the short inner cylinder of the annulus.
  • Fluid contaminated with solid particles may enter the cyclone filter and may be divided to flow through any number of spiral grooves in the spiral-grooved ring then injected at high velocity around the circumference of the down-flow annulus to spiral downward.
  • a cyclone filter of the present invention consists of a spiral- grooved ring inlet, a housing having an upper cylinder and a lower cone, a vortex finder and fluid outlet in the top center of the upper cylinder, and a solid particle outlet at the bottom of the cone.
  • the spiral-grooved ring inlet is positioned outside the upper cylinder.
  • Fluid contaminated with solid particles enters the cyclone filter and flows through the grooves in the spiral-grooved ring then injected at high velocity in a number of streams around the circumference and at a tangent to the top inside diameter of the upper cylinder creating a centrifugal force to drive the solid particles against the inside diameter of the upper cylinder and lower cone as it spirals downward.
  • the solid particles continue to flow downward and are separated from the fluid and out the bottom of the cone as the fluid flow is reversed by the decreasing area of the cone to flow upward in the low pressure center of the circulating stream to the vortex finder and out the top of the filter.
  • Another embodiment of a cyclone filter of the present invention has the same housing with the spiral-grooved ring on the outside as the embodiment described above with a narrow annulus added just inside the upper cylinder with the incoming fluid injected in multiple high velocity streams into the annulus to spiral downward to exit the annulus in the lower part of the cylinder away from the outlet as a narrow high velocity stream against the cylinder wall.
  • the narrow annulus eliminates the need for a vortex finder as part of the outlet in many applications.
  • Another embodiment of a cyclone filter of the present invention has a grooved ring mounted inside the narrow annulus around the outlet on large cyclone filters with the fluid injected from the inside outward into the annulus.
  • the fluid mixer of the present invention is applied as a dissolved gas generator consisting of a cylinder used as the housing, a spiral- grooved ring liquid inlet located on the outside near the top of the cylinder, an inverted cone gas diffuser mounted in the center of the cylinder below the level of the spiral-grooved ring inlet, a gas inlet to the diffuser, an excess gas outlet in the top of the cylinder, and a saturated fluid outlet in the bottom of the cylinder.
  • the liquid enters the fluid mixer and flows through the grooves of the spiral-grooved ring then injected at high velocity in a number of streams around the circumference of the cylinder creating a circular flow above the inverted cone diffuser with a vortex at its center.
  • the circulating liquid flows downward around the inverted cone diffuser and intercepts and dissolves the gas distributed through the diffuser as it flows upward.
  • the liquid saturated with the gas continues to flow downward and out of the fluid mixer through the bottom outlet.
  • the excess gas flows upward past the inverted cone diffuser and is separated from the liquid in the vortex and released to atmosphere from the top of the fluid mixer.
  • Another embodiment of the fluid mixer of the present invention is also applied as a dissolved gas generator consisting of an upper housing, an orifice ring, a radial-grooved ring, and a lower cylinder with a cap.
  • the upper housing has a liquid inlet, a gas inlet, an excess gas separation zone, and an excess gas outlet.
  • the orifice ring and the radial-grooved ring are mounted inside the upper housing with the orifice ports in the orifice ring positioned over the grooves in the radial-grooved ring.
  • Liquid enters the fluid mixer and flows through the grooves in the radial-grooved ring where gas is injected through the orifice ring into each of the high velocity streams.
  • the liquid-gas mixture stream in each groove is injected into the impact zone to collide with each other.
  • the liquid becomes saturated and flows downward into the lower cylinder where the excess gas forms bubbles and flows upward to return to the impact zone.
  • the saturated liquid exits through the bottom of the fluid mixer.
  • the excess gas flows to the gas separation zone above the impact zone, separated from the liquid, and released to atmosphere.
  • the fluid mixer is used for mixing liquids, for mixing gases, and for mixing liquids and gases where excess gases do not have to be separated from the liquids.
  • the fluid mixer consists of an upper housing, an orifice ring, a radial-grooved ring, and a short cylinder with a cap.
  • the center of the radial-grooved ring serves as an impact zone to which the streams are directed.
  • the first fluid enters the fluid mixer and flows through the grooves in the grooved ring where a second fluid is injected through the orifice ring into each of the high velocity streams.
  • the fluid mixture in each of the radial grooves is then injected at high velocity into the impact zone to collide with each other and become completely mixed.
  • the fluid mixture flows downward out of the impact zone into the lower cylinder and out the bottom of the fluid mixer.
  • the fluid mixer of the present invention is also used for mixing liquids, for mixing gases, and for mixing liquids and gases where excess gases do not have to be separated from the liquids.
  • the fluid mixer consists of an upper housing, a radial-grooved ring, a combination venturi-orifice ring positioned with the venturi and orifice ports in each groove of the radial-groove ring in order to draw by suction a second fluid into each stream, and an impact zone to complete the mixing of various fluids.
  • a grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial which may be used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.
  • FIG 1 depicts a schematic representation of a cyclone filter illustrating the fluid flow pattern through a spiral-grooved ring in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG 2 depicts a three dimensional view of a spiral-grooved ring in accordance with the present invention identifying the depth of the grooves.
  • FIG 3 depicts a second three dimensional view of a spiral-grooved ring in accordance with the present invention illustrating deeper grooves.
  • FIGS 4 and 5 are fluid diagrams of another embodiment of a cyclone filter employing a spiral-grooved ring to divide the entering fluid and inject the fluid in high velocity multiple streams into an annulus in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG 4 illustrates the horizontal flow of the fluid as it enters the cyclone filter.
  • FIG 5 is a fluid flow diagram illustrating the vertical flow of the fluid through the components of the cyclone filter.
  • FIGS 6 and 7 are fluid diagrams of another embodiment of a cyclone filter employing a spiral-grooved ring mounted outside the housing to divide the entering fluid and inject the fluid in high velocity multiple streams into and at a tangent to a cylinder above the cone shaped housing in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG 6 illustrates the horizontal flow of the fluid as it enters the cyclone filter.
  • FIG 7 is a fluid flow diagram illustrating the vertical flow of the fluid through the components of the cyclone filter.
  • FIGS 8 and 9 are fluid diagrams of another embodiment of a cyclone filter employing a spiral-grooved ring mounted outside the housing to divide the entering fluid and inject the fluid in high velocity multiple streams into an annulus in the outer diameter of a cylinder above the cone shaped housing in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG 8 illustrates the horizontal flow of the fluid as it enters the cyclone filter.
  • FIG 9 is a fluid flow diagram illustrating the vertical flow of the fluid through the components of the cyclone filter.
  • FIGS 10 and 11 are fluid diagrams of another embodiment of a cyclone filter employing a spiral-grooved ring mounted inside the housing to divide the entering fluid and inject the fluid in high velocity multiple streams into an annulus in the outer diameter of a cylinder above the cone shaped housing in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG 10 illustrates the horizontal flow of the fluid as it enters the cyclone filter.
  • FIG 11 is a fluid flow diagram illustrating the vertical flow of the fluid through the components of the cyclone filter.
  • FIG 12 is a three dimensional illustration of a typical spiral-grooved ring mounted inside the upper part of the cyclone filter housing in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGS 13 and 14 are fluid diagrams of another embodiment of a fluid mixer used as a dissolved gas generator employing the spiral-grooved ring mounted outside the housing and a diffuser mounted inside the housing for saturating liquids with dissolved gases in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG 13 illustrates the horizontal flow of the fluid as it enters the fluid mixer.
  • FIG 14 is a fluid flow diagram illustrating the vertical flow of the fluids through the components of the fluid mixer.
  • FIGS 15-17 are fluid diagrams of another embodiment of a fluid mixer used as a dissolved gas generator employing a radial-grooved ring, an orifice ring positioned with the orifice ports over each groove in order to inject a gas into each stream, and an impact zone for saturating liquids with dissolved gases in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG 15 illustrates the horizontal flow of the liquid as it enters the fluid mixer and flows through the radial-grooved ring.
  • FIG 16 illustrates the horizontal flow of the liquid as it enters the fluid mixer and flows through the radial-grooved ring with an orifice ring positioned with the orifice ports over each groove in order to inject a gas into each stream.
  • FIG 17 is a fluid flow diagram illustrating the vertical flow of the fluids through the components of the fluid mixer.
  • FIGS 18 is fluid diagrams of another embodiment of a fluid mixer employing a radial- grooved ring, an orifice ring positioned with the orifice ports over each groove in order to inject a second fluid into each stream, and an impact zone for mixing various fluids without provisions for releasing excess gases in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGS 19-20 are fluid diagrams of another embodiment of a fluid mixer employing a radial-grooved ring, a combination venturi-orifice ring positioned with the venturi and orifice ports in each groove in order to draw a second fluid into each stream, and an impact zone for mixing the various fluids in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGS 21 A and 21B provide three-dimensional illustrations of a typical radial-grooved ring and a combination venturi-orifice ring used in the fluid mixer in accordance with the present invention.
  • the dynamics of fluid flow generally can be mathematically expressed by conservation of energy, momentum, and impulse.
  • pressure is increased (1) with the radial distance from the center of rotation outward, (2) with the angular velocity of the fluid, and (2) with the unit mass of the fluid.
  • a fluid may rotate in a closed vessel by applying an external force resulting in a forced vortex. If the entire body of fluid rotates together with all particles rotating in a concentric circle, a cylindrical vortex is formed. If radial flow is combined with the circular flow, a forced spiral vortex results.
  • the forced spiral vortex can be used for separation of fluids by density, separation of suspended solids from fluids also by density, and the mixing of various fluids.
  • FIG 1 therein is depicted in schematic representation of the inlet of a cyclone filter 1 in accordance with the present invention for separating suspended solids from an aqueous fluid, such as water, by centrifugal force.
  • the cyclone filter 1 consists of an inlet 2, a distribution channel 3, a spiral-grooved ring 4 with multiple grooves 5, a down-flow annulus 6, and an up-flow outlet 7.
  • the arrows indicate the direction of flow.
  • Fluid such as water, containing suspended solids flows into the filter system 1 through inlet 2 and flows into a distribution channel 3 around spiral grooved ring 4 then into four spiral grooves 5 where the velocity is increased and injected into the down-flow annulus 6 at a tangent to the circle formed by the outside diameter of the down-flow annulus 6 to flow downward in a spiral motion.
  • the four spiral grooves 5 are illustrated each with the same width as the down- flow annulus 6.
  • the number and depth of the spiral grooves 5 are selected to provide the optimum fluid velocity at the application flowrate.
  • the centrifugal force causes the heaviest materials in the circulating fluid to flow to the outside edges of the annulus 6 as the water spirals downward. It is well understood by those skilled in the art that the higher the velocity of the water in circulation the smaller the particles that can be removed at any given flowrate.
  • FIG 2 is depicted a three-dimensional spiral grooved ring 8 having four spiral grooves 9 with a certain depth. The depth and width of the four grooves 9 are selected to provide the optimum water flow velocity to be injected into the down-flow annulus.
  • FIG 3 illustrates a second spiral-grooved ring 10 having four grooves 11 that are deeper than those illustrated in FIG 2. Any desired fluid velocity could be obtained by simply changing the replaceable spiral grooved ring.
  • FIGS 4 and 5 illustrate simplified horizontal and vertical schematics of a cyclone filter in accordance with the present invention.
  • the cyclone filter 12 consists of an inlet 13, a distribution channel 14, a spiral-grooved ring 15 with multiple spiral grooves 18, a down-flow annulus 16, a collection chamber 23 for the separated solids 24, a deflector 22, a vortex finder 19, and an outlet 17.
  • FIG 4 illustrates the horizontal flow of water as it enters the cyclone filter 12.
  • the arrows indicate the direction of water flow.
  • water containing the suspended particles to be removed enters the filter through the inlet 13 and flows into the distribution channel 14 and flows in both directions around the spiral-grooved ring 15.
  • the water from the distribution channel 14 is then divided and flows into the four grooves 18 where its velocity is increased then injected into the down-flow annulus 16 and flows downward in a spiral motion.
  • the suspended solids are separated from the water in the lower part of the filter, and the water flows upward and out of the filter through the outlet 17.
  • FIG 5 illustrates the flow pattern of the water in a vertical schematic of the cyclone filter 12.
  • water containing the suspended solids to be removed enters the filter through inlet 13 and flows into the distribution channel 14 around the spiral-grooved disc 15.
  • the circulating water flows through the spiral grooves 18 and is injected at a high velocity into the down-flow annulus 16 and flows downward in a spiral motion 20.
  • the centrifugal force caused by the circulating water drives the suspended particles the outer diameter of the down-flow annulus 16 and causes a vortex 21 to form in the center.
  • a deflector 22 is located in the lower part of the filter where the diameter is increased.
  • the increase in diameter allows the solid particles to flow outward away from the down-flow annulus while the deflector 22 causes the water to reverse and flow upward in the lower pressure center of the stream and out through the outlet 17.
  • the solid particles 24 accumulate in a collection chamber 23 in the lower part of the filter 12 below the deflector 22 and are periodically removed through the bottom outlet valve 25.
  • FIGS 6 and 7 illustrate simplified horizontal and vertical schematics of another embodiment of a cyclone filter 26 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the cyclone filter 26 consists of an inlet 27, a distribution channel 32, a spiral-grooved ring 28 with multiple spiral grooves 30, a cylinder 34 in which the fluid is made to circulate, a lower cone 37, and a cone outlet 38, sometimes referred to as an "orifice," for discharging the solid particles separated from the fluid.
  • the spiral-grooved ring is positioned in the outside of the cylinder 34.
  • FIG 6 illustrates the horizontal flow of fluid as it enters the cyclone filter 26.
  • the arrows indicate the direction of fluid flow.
  • Fluid enters the filter 26 through inlet 27 and flows into the distribution channel 32 then flows in both directions around the outside of spiral-grooved ring 28.
  • the fluid from the distribution channel 32 is divided and flows into six spiral grooves 30 where its velocity is increased then injected as narrow streams into the outer diameter 29 and tangent to the circumference of cylinder 34.
  • Six grooves 30 are shown, as the example in this illustration, but it is clearly understood that any number of grooves can be added based on the size of the cyclone filter without departing from the spirit of invention.
  • a conventional filter with a 2-inch, schedule-40 pipe inlet would have a cross-sectional area of approximately 3.36 square inches (3.36 in2).
  • a 2-inch, schedule-80 pipe inlet would have a cross-sectional area of 2.95 in2.
  • Water flowing at 100 gallons-per-minute (gpm) through the schedule 40 inlet would have a velocity of 9.56 feet-per-second (ft/sec), and through the schedule 80 inlet a velocity of 10.86 ft/sec.
  • a spiral-grooved ring with six grooves of 0.5-inches in width and 1-inch in height provides a flow velocity of 10.694 ft/sec injected into the cylinder.
  • a spiral-grooved ring with eight grooves of 0.5-inches in width and 0.75 -inches in height provides a flow velocity of 10.694 ft/sec also.
  • a spiral-grooved ring with six grooves of 0.5- inches in width and 0.75-inches in height provides a flow velocity of 14.26 ft/sec, an even better improvement.
  • a spiral-grooved ring with four grooves of 0.375 -inches in width and 1.50-inches in height would also provide a flow velocity of 14.26 ft/sec.
  • the spiral-groove rings with multiple narrow streams as indicated above allows a larger outlet 31 without mixing the inlet and outlet fluids and with less pressure drop than conventional cyclone filters operating at the same flowrate.
  • FIGS 8 and 9 illustrate a simplified schematic of another embodiment of a cyclone filter 39 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the cyclone filter 39 consists of an inlet 40, a distribution channel 45, a spiral-grooved ring 41 with multiple spiral grooves 43, a cylinder 47 serving as the outer diameter of a down-flow annulus 42, an inner short cylinder or skirt 46 serving as the inside diameter of the down-flow annulus 42, a lower cone 50, and a cone outlet 51 for discharging solid particles separated from the fluid, and a fluid outlet 44.
  • FIG 8 illustrates the horizontal flow of the fluid as it enters the cyclone filter 39.
  • the arrows indicate the direction of fluid flow.
  • Fluid enters the cyclone filter 39 through the inlet 40 and flows into the distribution channel 45 in both directions around the outside of the spiral- grooved ring 41.
  • the fluid from the distribution channel 45 is divided and flows into six spiral grooves 43 where its velocity is increased then injected into a narrow down-flow annulus 42.
  • the down-flow annulus 42 allows the fluid to be injected at a velocity much higher than filters with no annulus 42 without interfering with the outgoing fluid.
  • the fluid flows downward in a spiral motion 48.
  • the circulating fluid causes a vortex 49 to form at the low-pressure center.
  • the outlet 44 can be much larger without the need of a vortex finder. Solid particles separated from the fluids are discharged through the outlet 51 into a collection chamber (not shown) or other receptacle.
  • FIGS 10 and 11 provide simplified schematics of another embodiment of a cyclone filter 52 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the cyclone filter 52 consists of an inlet 53, a distribution channel 57, a spiral-grooved ring 54, a down flow annulus 58 between the outside and inner cylinders 59 and 60 respectively, a lower cone 63, and a cone outlet 64, and a fluid outlet 56.
  • a collection chamber (not shown) can be added to the filter.
  • Fluid containing the suspended solids to be removed enters the filter through the inlet 53 and flows into the distribution channel 57 inside the spiral-grooved ring 54.
  • the fluid flows through the multiple spiral grooves 55 and injected at a high circulating velocity into the down- flow annulus 58.
  • the inner short cylinder or skirt 60 divides the inflow from the outflow to prevent the incoming fluid from mixing with the outflow and also prevent any solid particle from escaping before separation in the lower part of the filter.
  • the multiple injection points provided by the spiral grooves 55 with the narrow accelerating annulus 58 divided from the outflow provides a higher tangential or horizontal circulating fluid velocity adjacent to the outer cylinder 59.
  • the outlet 56 can be much larger without the need of a vortex finder. Solid particles separated from the fluids are discharged through the outlet 64 into a collection chamber (not shown) or other receptacle.
  • FIG 12 provides a three-dimensional illustration of an enlarged upper part of an embodiment of the cyclone filter 65 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the cyclone filter 65 illustrated generally consists of an upper flange assembly 69, a gasket 70, a spiral-grooved ring assembly 71, and the top part of a lower housing 74.
  • the spiral-grooved ring assembly 71 has a skirt 73 and an outlet 68 as part of the ring assembly 71.
  • the arrows indicate the direction of fluid flow. The fluid flows into the inlet 67, down the distribution channel 66, into the multiple spiral grooves 72, and then injected at high velocity into the lower housing 74.
  • FIGS 13 and 14 provides a fluid schematic of an embodiment of a fluid mixer 75 used as a dissolved gas generator employing the dynamic forces of flow obtained with the spiral-grooved ring in accordance with the present invention.
  • the fluid mixer 75 consists of a fluid inlet 76 on a donut housing, a distribution channel 77, a spiral-grooved ring 78, a cylinder 87, a fluid outlet 89, a gas diffuser 80, an inlet gas-metering valve 82, and an outlet gas-metering valve 84.
  • the fluid enters the dissolved gas generator 75 through the inlet 76 and flows into the distribution channel 77 outside the spiral-grooved ring 78 and flows in both directions.
  • the fluid flows through the spiral grooves 79 and is injected at a high circulating velocity into the upper part of the cylinder 87 above the diffuser 80.
  • Gas enters the diffuser through the inlet gas- metering valve 82 and is distributed through the porous material of the diffuser into the pressurized circulating fluid where it is dissolved.
  • the circulating fluid 86 causes a vortex 85 to form in the top of the cylinder 87.
  • the top of the diffuser serves as a vortex interceptor. Excess gas is released to the atmosphere through the outlet gas-metering valve 84.
  • the fluid flows downward in a spiral motion through a mixing zone 81 where it encounters gas 83 bubbling upward.
  • the downward spiraling fluid flows with a high enough velocity to carry the gas bubbles through the mixing zone 81.
  • the diffuser 80 may be an inverted cone.
  • the cross sectional area of the cylinder 87 outside the diffuser 80 increases downward causing the fluid velocity to decrease as it passes the diffuser 80 cone.
  • the decrease in fluid velocity allows the gas bubbles to flow upward and return to the mixing zone 81.
  • the circulating gas bubbles ensures that the fluid becomes saturated with gas before exiting through the bottom outlet 89.
  • FIGS 15-17 depict another embodiment of a fluid mixer 90 used as a dissolved gas generator employing the dynamic forces of fluid flow obtained with a radial-grooved ring in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG 15 depicts a horizontal cross sectional view of the liquid inlet to the dissolved gas generator 90 illustrating the cylindrical donut housing 91, the distribution channel 93, the radial-grooved ring 94 with 16 radial grooves 95, and an impact chamber 96 to which the radial grooves 95 are directed.
  • FIG 16 also provides a horizontal cross sectional view of the fluid mixer 90 with an orifice ring 97 positioned with the orifice ports 98 over the radial grooves 95.
  • the arrows indicate the direction of liquid flow.
  • FIG 17 provides a vertical cross sectional view of the fluid mixer 90 assembly consisting of an cylindrical donut housing 91, an orifice ring 97, a radial- grooved ring 94, a lower cylinder 108, and a lower cylinder cap 99.
  • the cylindrical donut housing 91 has a gas separation chamber 104 to separate the excess gases from the liquids so the gases can be discharged while retaining the liquid.
  • the center of the radial-grooved ring 94 serves as an impact zone 96 into which the multiple streams of the liquid-gas mixture flowing at a high velocity are directed to collide with each other.
  • An inlet gas-metering valve 106 connected to the gas inlet 105 of the cylindrical donut housing 91 regulates the amount of gas supplied during operation.
  • An outlet gas-metering valve 103 connected to the gas outlet 102 of the cylindrical donut housing 91 regulates the amount of gas discharged from the device during operation. Referring to FIG 16, the arrows indicate direction of liquid flow. The liquid enters the fluid mixer 90 through the inlet 92 and flows into the distribution channel 93 in both directions around the radial grooved ring 94.
  • the liquid is divided and flows into the radial grooves 95 under the orifice ring 97 where gas is injected into each of the high velocity streams.
  • the liquid- air mixture in each groove is then injected into the impact zone 96.
  • the liquid enters through inlet 92 and flows into the distribution channel 93 around the radial-grooved ring 94.
  • the liquid then flows through the radial grooves 95 where the gas is injected through the orifice 98 into each liquid stream.
  • the liquid-gas mixture in each of the grooves 95 is then injected at high velocity into the impact zone 96 to collide with each other.
  • the liquid becomes saturated with the gas at this point.
  • the inlet gas-metering valve 106 regulates the amount of gas supplied.
  • the saturated liquid flows downward out of the impact zone 96 and into the larger area of the lower cylinder 108 where the velocity is decreased.
  • the excess gas bubbles 107 flow upward and return to the impact zone 96.
  • the saturated liquid continues to flow downward and exits through the outlet 109.
  • the excess gas bubbles flow up through the impact zone 96, and the gas is separated from the liquid in the separation chamber 104 and released from the unit through the outlet gas-metering valve 103.
  • the amount of gas retained in the separation chamber 104 regulates the liquid level in the apparatus.
  • the amount of gas released is adjusted to maintain the liquid level just above the impact zone 96, and only a small amount of gas has to be released from the chamber 104.
  • the fluid mixer 90 is extremely effective at saturating liquid with gas with only five parts that can be manufactured in many sizes at low cost. It can be manufactured in metal or in plastic either machined or injected molded.
  • FIG 18 depicts another embodiment of a fluid mixer 110 for mixing liquids, for mixing gases, and for mixing gases and liquids where excess gases do not have to be separated from the liquids in accordance with the present invention.
  • the fluid mixer 110 consists of an upper donut housing 111, an inlet 113, an orifice ring 114, a radial-grooved ring 112, a short lower cylinder 120, and a lower cylinder cap 122.
  • the operation of the fluid mixer 110 is similar to the operation of the other fluid mixers previously discussed.
  • a first or primary fluid enters the dynamic mixer 110 through the inlet 113 and flows into the distribution channel 118 around the radial-grooved ring 112.
  • the primary fluid then flows through the radial grooves 115 where a second fluid is injected into each stream through the orifices 119 into each primary fluid stream.
  • the fluid mixture in each of the radial grooves 115 is then injected at high velocity into the impact zone 121 to collide with each other and become completely mixed.
  • the fluid mixture flows downward out of the impact zone 121 into the short lower cylinder 120 and exits the fluid mixer 1 10 through the outlet 123.
  • Naive 1 17 regulates the amount of secondary fluid into the mixer 110.
  • FIGS 19 and 20 depict another embodiment of an fluid mixer 124 employing a radial- grooved ring 128, a combination venturi-orifice ring 129, and an impact zone 132 for mixing various fluids in accordance with the present invention.
  • the fluid mixer 124 consists of an upper housing 125, a primary fluid inlet 126, a combination venturi-orifice ring 129, a radial-grooved ring 128, a secondary fluid inlet 134, a short lower cylinder 136, and a lower cylinder cap 137.
  • a first or primary fluid enters the fluid mixer 124 through the inlet 126 and flows into the distribution channel 127 around the radial-grooved ring 128.
  • the primary fluid then flows through the radial grooves 130 where a second fluid is drawn into each stream by the venturi 133 through the orifices 131 into each primary fluid stream.
  • the fluid mixture in each of the radial grooves 130 is then injected at high velocity into the impact zone 132 to collide with each other and become completely mixed.
  • the fluid mixture flows downward out of the impact zone 132 into the short lower cylinder 136 and exits the fluid mixer 124 through the outlet 138.
  • Naive 135 regulates the amount of secondary fluid into the fluid mixer 124.
  • FIG 21 provides three-dimensional illustration of a typical radial-grooved ring 143 having 12 radial grooves 142 and a combination venturi-orifice ring 140 having 12 orifices 139 and 12 venturi 141 to fit onto the radial-grooved ring 143 of a fluid mixer.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Cyclones (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil à mélanger des liquides, qui permet de saturer des liquides avec des gaz dissous. Le liquide pénètre par un orifice d'entrée (92) et s'écoule dans un canal de distribution (93) ménagé autour d'un anneau cannelé radial (94) présentant des rainures radiales (95), lesquelles rainures radiales (95) divisent le flux de liquide en flux de liquide secondaires et impriment une vitesse élevée à chaque flux de liquide secondaire. Une soupape de dosage des gaz d'entrée (106) régule la quantité de gaz injectée par un orifice (98) dans chaque flux de liquide secondaire, afin de créer un liquide saturé de gaz. Le liquide saturé de gaz s'écoule vers le bas et par un orifice de sortie (109). Le gaz excédentaire s'écoule vers le haut dans une chambre de séparation (104), d'où il est évacué par une soupape de dosage des gaz de sortie (103).
PCT/US2002/039623 2002-12-11 2002-12-11 Procede et appareil pour melanger des liquides, separer des liquides, et separer des solides des liquides WO2004052496A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2002/039623 WO2004052496A1 (fr) 2002-12-11 2002-12-11 Procede et appareil pour melanger des liquides, separer des liquides, et separer des solides des liquides
AU2002368451A AU2002368451A1 (en) 2002-12-11 2002-12-11 Method and apparatus for mixing fluids, separating fluids, and separating solids from fluids

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2002/039623 WO2004052496A1 (fr) 2002-12-11 2002-12-11 Procede et appareil pour melanger des liquides, separer des liquides, et separer des solides des liquides

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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7232524B2 (en) 2001-06-12 2007-06-19 Hydrotreat, Inc. Methods and apparatus for increasing and extending oil production from underground formations nearly depleted of natural gas drive
US7243721B2 (en) 2001-06-12 2007-07-17 Hydrotreat, Inc. Methods and apparatus for heating oil production reservoirs
WO2009098274A1 (fr) * 2008-02-08 2009-08-13 Purac Biochem Bv Mélangeur à tourbillon et procédé d’obtention d’une solution ou d’une bouillie sursaturée
CN102062073A (zh) * 2010-11-23 2011-05-18 浙江大学 一种采用孔口节流的离心式微米气泡泵
US8771524B2 (en) 2008-02-08 2014-07-08 Purac Biochem B.V. Vortex mixer and method of obtaining a supersaturated solution or slurry
EP3302810A4 (fr) * 2015-06-01 2018-12-19 Cetamax Ventures Ltd. Systèmes et procédés de traitement de fluides
WO2022046915A1 (fr) * 2020-08-31 2022-03-03 Curium Us Llc Fermeture de contenant comprenant un élément générant un tourbillon

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US2735547A (en) * 1956-02-21 vissac
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US5071542A (en) * 1989-06-01 1991-12-10 Tuszko Wlodzimierz J Anti-suction cyclone separation method and apparatus
US5131757A (en) * 1991-03-07 1992-07-21 Hazleton Environmental Products Inc. Mixing apparatus and system
US6032931A (en) * 1997-11-19 2000-03-07 Ramco Sales, Inc. Apparatus for selective aeration

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2735547A (en) * 1956-02-21 vissac
US3507397A (en) * 1969-04-09 1970-04-21 William R Robinson Hydrocyclone unit
US5071542A (en) * 1989-06-01 1991-12-10 Tuszko Wlodzimierz J Anti-suction cyclone separation method and apparatus
US5131757A (en) * 1991-03-07 1992-07-21 Hazleton Environmental Products Inc. Mixing apparatus and system
US6032931A (en) * 1997-11-19 2000-03-07 Ramco Sales, Inc. Apparatus for selective aeration

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7232524B2 (en) 2001-06-12 2007-06-19 Hydrotreat, Inc. Methods and apparatus for increasing and extending oil production from underground formations nearly depleted of natural gas drive
US7243721B2 (en) 2001-06-12 2007-07-17 Hydrotreat, Inc. Methods and apparatus for heating oil production reservoirs
WO2009098274A1 (fr) * 2008-02-08 2009-08-13 Purac Biochem Bv Mélangeur à tourbillon et procédé d’obtention d’une solution ou d’une bouillie sursaturée
US8771524B2 (en) 2008-02-08 2014-07-08 Purac Biochem B.V. Vortex mixer and method of obtaining a supersaturated solution or slurry
CN102062073A (zh) * 2010-11-23 2011-05-18 浙江大学 一种采用孔口节流的离心式微米气泡泵
CN102062073B (zh) * 2010-11-23 2012-07-04 浙江大学 一种采用孔口节流的离心式微米气泡泵
EP3302810A4 (fr) * 2015-06-01 2018-12-19 Cetamax Ventures Ltd. Systèmes et procédés de traitement de fluides
WO2022046915A1 (fr) * 2020-08-31 2022-03-03 Curium Us Llc Fermeture de contenant comprenant un élément générant un tourbillon

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