WO2019050493A2

WO2019050493A2 - Apparatus for real time and continuous detection and regulation of the particle charge of mixtures composed of fluids having solid particle content

Info

Publication number: WO2019050493A2
Application number: PCT/TR2018/000039
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mustafa Şen
Original assignee: Ozbekoglu Ithalat Ihracat Ins. Taah. Ve Muhendislik Ltd. Sti.
Priority date: 2017-04-26
Filing date: 2018-04-26
Publication date: 2019-03-14
Also published as: TR201706212A2; WO2019050493A3

Abstract

The invention is related to an apparatus which enables the measurement of the particle amount in the fluids having high concentration solid particle content instantaneously, in the state of and during the flow, and regulation of the particle amount. The subject apparatus provides for the preparation of the fluid whose solid matter amount is in the desired ratio by blending a fluid whose solid particle amount is higher than the other fluid/fluids with the other fluid/fluids. For this purpose, fluids are drained into a control volume (9) continuously and the particle amount of the formed mixture is measured full time, instantaneously.

Description

APPARATUS FOR REAL TIME AND CONTINUOUS DETECTION AND REGULATION OF THE PARTICLE CHARGE OF MIXTURES COMPOSED OF FLUIDS HAVING SOLID PARTICLE CONTENT

Technical Field

The invention is related to an apparatus which enables the measurement of the particle amount in the fluids having high concentration solid particle content instantaneously, in the state of and during the flow, and regulation of the particle amount. The subject apparatus provides for the preparation of the fluid whose solid matter amount is in the desired ratio by mixing (blending) a fluid whose solid particle amount is higher than the other fluid/fluids with the other fluid/fluids. Therefore, fluids are drained into a control volume continuously and the particle amounts of the formed mixture are measured full time, instantaneously. State of The Art

It is a process used in the measurement and regulation of the particle amount in the liquids; recovery of the waste water, changing the solid matter amount of the mixtures formed in the food sector and in the industrial applications which require like liquids.

The regulation of the particle amount is provided by mixing the fluid with another fluid which embodies a different amount of solid matter. By this means, the particle amount of the mixture can be increased or reduced where desired. In the case where the liquid to be used in the industrial application is used as the input of a product, the mixture which will be used as the product is expected to be appropriate for the formula, consistency and taste. In this case, it is necessary to have the solid matter amount of the formed mixture and the liquid to be used in the application under control.

On the other hand, the solid matter amount of the liquids used in the industrial applications is an important parameter necessary to be kept under control since it affects the conditions of the process in which the liquid is going to be incorporated. Another application where the control and regulation of the solid matter amount in the liquids is an important factor is recycling waste liquids. As of their structure, these liquids can be reused in production by recovery. However, to be fit for being reused in production, knowing the solid particle amount ( concentration) in the liquids is required. The information is required to be provided real time (during the flow, instantaneously) so that no interruption takes place in the production. The grey water in the ready mixed concrete plants can be given as an example to recycling the waste liquids. The grey water produced during concrete production and cleaning of the instruments (concrete pump, concrete mixer) during the cleaning of the production area, having 0-0,5 mm solid particles within and whose concentration is up to 1,15 kg/Lt, is given to nature without being reused since its concentration cannot be detected and regulated real time, and constitute an important threat to the environment. A high rate of production raw material is squandered as waste because measurement and detection cannot be made, even though its recovery and especially use in the production is possible .

As another example, the mixtures which merge into the conveyor water used during can production, accumulate, pile up, and thus, constitute an obstacle for the production can be given.

Different systems used for the determination of the particle amount of the fluid and regulation by means of mixing (blending) are known in the state of the art.

The present systems are integrated systems, composed of several tanks. These systems make measurements on the line and provide forming of the mixture on an interim tank. The systems mentioned are not portable and usable in many places because of their complex structure having several tanks .

For instance, by using the present systems, dismantling the system from a line it is connected to and connecting the same to another line is impossible or can be achieved as a result of quite troublesome mounting/demounting procedures.

The present systems are not operated based on measuring the particle amount of the formed mixture, they are operated based on measuring the particle amount of the fluid flowing in the line. In this case, the system is only informed of the situation of the liquids/mixtures flowing in the line and all the procedures carried out are realized accordingly Since the system is not informed of the total particle charge of the last mixture formed, the particle charge of the last formed product can only be predicted in the light of the data retrieved through the line. For this reason, the particle charge of the last mixture formed cannot be calculated with the required precision.

Even though the particle charge of the formed mixture can be measured afterwards with a sensor, it will be necessary to restart the process after the mixture is formed once. Hence, the process time will be extended and the cost of the process will increase.

The present systems are not appropriate for processes which are operated continuously and which require high speed work.

The present systems are operated with the sensors located at the outlet or inlet of a tank. The data read obtained during the flow are consistent only when the fluid drained is homogeneous. It is almost impossible to operate with continuous variable solid matter charge. In order for this problem to be overcome, the present systems aim to form a fluid body which is homogenous or close to being homogenous by storing the fluids to be mixed in different tanks. The homogenous fluid body formed is supplied to lines equipped with sensors and the mixing is proceeded according to the values obtained.

The requirement for these tanks to be filled to a particular volume in order to form the interim storage tanks and start the operatio slows down the process being applied. Another technical obstacle is the solid matter sedimentation that can be experienced within the interim storage tanks. Sedimentation will prevent forming of a homogenous fluid body in the interim tanks.

Another technical obstacle is that the present systems are not appropriate for real time information gathering. As smaller time zones the measurement made during the flow can be taken, so accurate will be the data obtained. However, the measurement made cannot affect the ongoing production. At best, the moment the measurement is made, the mixture the related sample represents had been produced and there is no turning back. For instance, retrieval of the water required in concrete production is performed at the 30sec stage. It is not possible to make measurements within this period of time in the present state of art and reflect the obtained knowledge to the ongoing production at that moment.

Patent application number US 2004/0057334 describes an apparatus for mixing and obtaining the process materials.

Figure 9 and paragraphs 76-79 of the description of the related application describe a system which can be used for the measurement of the high purity particle amount and regulation of the humidity rate. The system can be used for the analysis and instantaneous mixing of the high purity material .

The system is composed of tanks in which the paste consisting of high purity solid fluids and clean water stored in separate tanks is present and a mixture tank created for the blending of the same. As the paste composed of high purity solid fluids flow on the line, the water/particle amount it contains is measured and the value obtained is transferred to PLC control unit. The PLC unit transfers the clean water to the mixture tank by extracting it from the clean water tank so as to be appropriate for the solid matter amount required by the system. By this means, the particle amount in the mixture tank can form a reduced mixture compared to the paste composed of high purity solid fluids.

In Figure 1, a drawing in relation to the patent number US 2004/0057334 is presented. The system is basically formed of 3 holding vessels. The water amount in the fluids taken into two holding vessels is detected by the sensors positioned at the continuation of the tanks and the mixture formed in the light of this information is transferred to the 3^rd tank. In that case, the liquid amount of the fluids can be measured at the outlet of the tank and in the light of this value, the final form of the mixture can be predicted, mixed and the fluid body having the desired liquid rate will be formed in the 3^rd tank. The system is not appropriate for regulating the liquid amount of the flowing fluids. The systems absolutely required to be operated by using storage tanks. For this reason, the flow is being interrupted for measurement and continued after regulating the mixture .

Operating a system which is operated by storage tanks on a production line which carries out full time production will result in loss of time and prevent continuous production. The production process needs to be stopped continuously, fluids need to be taken into storage tanks and the liquid amounts of these fluids need to be measured and blended in the static mixer. The mixture formed in the static mixer 5 should be confirmed by a final sensor and finally transferred to the last storage tank.

To give an example, the system described in the patent number US 2004 / 0057334 has structure which is appropriate 10 for working on very low flow rates such as 107,9 ML/min max.

Whereas the system of the present application can be operated at 3.000.000 ML/min flow rate and over.

On the other hand, the embodiment of patent number US 15 2004/0057334 requires the operation of the lower segments it contains (tank, flow lines) within a particular order. Besides, the fluids have to comply with the pre-determined time limitations. Otherwise, the system cannot be operated or it is operated incompletely. This makes instantaneous 20 interventions impossible. Therefore, the embodiment of the patent number 2004/0057334 can only be operated as appropriate for the application of the previously planned processes. External applications will not be possible to implement on the system.

25

The system described in the patent number US 2004/0057334 is not fit for use with the purpose of increasing the particle amount of the system mixture. The system only aims to increase the liquid amount within the paste in the fluid 30 state. With this aim, there is only the possibility to add fluids which contain relatively lower amount of solid particle to the flowing fluid. On the other hand, the system of the patent number US 2004/0057334 and similar systems are operated based on measuring the mixture input beforehand (for example on the line) and then forming the mixture. After the mixture is formed once, confirmation of the mixture values or regulating it again is not possible for the subject system.

Another example that can be given to the present art is the patent application number US2010031825. Patent application number US2010031825 describes a system which is used for mixing the liquids taken from two different storage areas. The flow on the liquid flow lines each connected to storage is transferred to a central control unit after being measured volumetrically continuously. The mixture is formed so as to be appropriate for the obtained flow data.

The system of the patent number US2010031825 is not a system which has mass measurement precision. Since volumetric and density-based values are used for the measurement, no measurement can be made on the particle amount within the fluid. For this reason, the formed mixture cannot be generated with high precision.

The utility model application number CN203461859 describes a decomposition system used for sedimentation of the slush within the fluids. The slush and the dirty water within the fluid transferred to the system are mixed and sedimentation of the waste at the bottom is provided. The mixture formed is mixed continuously and providing for the flocculation by means of the flocculent is aimed.

The subject system cannot provide real time measuring. Filling the tank first for the sedimentation and operating it with the same volume until the sedimentation takes place is obligatory.

Actually, the embodiment of the application number CN2034 61859 aims the separation of water and slush from each other. For this purpose, solid and liquid is attempted to be separated by providing sedimentation within the fluid with the precipitators added extrinsically . The system is not one that can be used for mixing (blending) , on the contrary, it is a system which is used for segregating (separating) and it does not measure the solid particle amount .

The Problems Aimed to be Solved by the Invention

The purpose of the invention is to realize an apparatus which enables the measurement of the particle amount within the fluid real time; the prevention of the sedimentation of the particles by suspending them with mixing (blending) and circulation processes and use of the mixture formed after the fluids are mixed in the desired ratios in the production by measuring the particle charge continuously and real time. The purpose of the invention is to realize the apparatus which enables forming of the mixture by measuring the particle charge of the created mixture after the fluids are mixed. The purpose of this invention is to form the apparatus which creates the mixture of two or more fluids, having the density the production needs and transfers it to the production, without requiring any pre-determined order, dosing and timing.

The purpose of this invention is to put forth the apparatus which enables the preparation of more accurate mixtures by providing for the detection of the particle charge of the formed mixture in a way to obtain more precise results.

Of the invention is to put forth the apparatus which enables the continuous mixing of the mixture and the measurement of the continuous particle charge while mixing.

Another purpose of the invention is to realize a fluid mixing apparatus which enables the regulation of a mixture according to another desired value after it was regulated.

Another purpose of the invention is to realize a mixing apparatus which enables not only the dilution of the mixture in regards to particle charge, but also concentration of the same.

Another purpose of the invention is to realize a mixing apparatus which is suitable for real time use with continuous systems.

Another purpose of the invention is to realize a mixing apparatus which has a simple structure and thus, which can be mounted and demounted easily and transported easily, which can be adapted to any kind of process with ease.

Another purpose of the invention is to put forth a mixing apparatus which can self-calibrate by using more than one measuring systems. Description of the Figures

Figure 1, Drawing in relation to patent number

US2004/0057334

Figure 2, Cross sectional view of the tank

Figure 3, Cross sectional view of the tank and control unit

Description of the References in the Figures

1. Tank

2. Fluid inlet with particle charge

3. Fluid inlet

4. Mixture outlet

5. Detector

6. Mixer

7. Weight measurement unit

8. Discharge valve

9. Control volume

10. Control unit

11. Primary pump

12. Circulation inlet

13. Secondary pump

14. Circulation line Description of the Invention

The invention is related to a particle amount measurement and mixture apparatus which enables the continuous measurement and regulation of the particle amount of a mixture formed by mixing a fluid which has a particle charge in a control volume (9). The related apparatus is composed of a tank (1) which embodies a fluid inlet with particle charge (2) connected to a fluid line with particle charge and a fluid inlet (3) connected to clean fluid line.

While fluid with particle charge defines a fluid which embodies particles within, clean fluid defines a fluid whose particle charge is relatively lower or close to zero. Figures 2 and 3 describe a tank (1) to which two fluids are connected. System 2 can be operated with fluid and is fit for use by connecting different numbers of fluids.

For instance, in case the grey water of the system is used for reducing the particle charge; the fluid with particle charge defines the grey water and the fluid defines water. Mixture describes a body formed as a result of mixing these two fluids. In the subject system a control volume (9) is created within the tank (1) . The control volume (9) created defines the volume created by a particular amount of fluids. The control volume (9) is mixed with at least one mixer (6) in relation with the tank (1) for the mixture to be kept homogeneous continuously and for the prevention of sedimentation .

The mixture which has been made homogenous by mixing is pumped into a detector (5) positioned outside the control volume (9) by means of at least one primary pump (11) . This detector (5) positioned outside the control volume (9) measures the particle amount of the mixture continuously. By this means, real time data can be obtained while the mixture is being prepared.

In the different applications of the invention, different numbers of detectors (5) can be positioned at the same position outside the control volume or at different positions. In this case, the mixture can be sent to detectors (5) by one or more than one primary pumps (11) . By this means, continuous real time data can be obtained by measuring the particle amount continuously while the mixture is being prepared.

On the other hand, different fluids drained on the line can be mixed instantaneously without the process being interrupted. Thus, interruption of the process for mixing is prevented.

Further, the particle amount of the mixture can be regulated instantaneously by real time measurement. In case the mixture reaches at the undesired particle density or there is a production error, the system can be intervened with directly. The control volume (9) created can be regulated according to the conditions of the process to be implemented. In case it is desired, the control volume (9) can be regulated. However, even though the control volume (9) is changed, it defines a volume within the tank (1) .

According to Figure 1, the detector (5) is positioned on the circulation inlet (12) . The primary pump (11) sends the mixture in the control volume (9) to the continuous circulation inlet (12), the particle charge of the mixture is detected there with the detector (5). Circulation inlet

(12) defines the inlet of a circulation line (14). The mixture taken from the circulation inlet (12) by driving the primary pump (11) can be returned to the control volume

(9) by means of the circulation line (14) .

As the detector (5) can be positioned at the circulation inlet (12), it can be positioned at different locations on the circulation line ( 14 ) within the scope of different applications of the invention.

The components formed within the system can be controlled continuously by a control unit (10) which operated automatically. The control unit ( 10 ) feeds the clean fluid in an amount to be suitable for the particle charge of the last defined mixture and the fluid with particle charge to the tank (1) and can create the desired mixture value by sending the deficient fluid and/or fluid with particle charge to the tank ( 1 ) according to the value it obtained from the detectors (5) . The last mixture formed is transferred to the use area according to intended purpose.

The control unit ( 10 ) can control the on, off and transfer elements located on the tank (1) and the line on which the fluids are transferred with the purpose of transferring the clean fluid and fluid with particle charge to the tank (1). For example, for sending the fluid to the tank ( 1 ) , the pumps positioned on the related line can be turned on and off under the control of the control unit ( 10 ) .

At least one mixer (6) in relation with the control volume (9) is positioned within the tank (1). Turning the positioned mixer (6) on/off and its operation rate is controlled by the control unit (10) . With the continuous control of the mixer (6), the turbulence effect created in the control volume (9) is optimized.

The tank (1) is equipped with a weight measurement unit (7) so that the weight of the volume in the tank (1) can be detected continuously. Weight measurement unit (7) can measure the weight of the mixture positioned in the control volume (9) formed within the tank (1) continuously. By measuring the weight of the mixture whose volume is determined, the density, which is another criterion in relation to the particle charge, can be determined continuously. The data taken from the weight measurement unit (7) and the volume value of the control volume (9) are transferred to the continuous control unit (10) .

Detection of the density is provided by confirming the data taken from the detector (5) .

The control volume (9) formed within the tank (1) can be raised or reduced according to the structure of the mixture and the requirements of the sector by means of weight-based measurement .

The tank (1) is equipped with at least one discharge valve (8) . During the processes such as cleaning the tank (1) after the operation, failure or maintenance, the tank (1) can be discharged by means of the discharge valve (8) .

The detector (5) described within the scope of the description defines the detectors (5) which van detect the particle amount in a fluid. The detector (5) systems which can perform this duty are within the scope of the description .

Privately, the detector (5) can be composed of a beam sender probe and a beam receptor probe. In this case, the detector (5) is a system which can measure the particle density of the mixture on the descending beam waves between two probes. According to Figure 1, the control volume (9) is equipped with a primary pump (11) and a secondary pump (13) .While the primary pump (11) pumps the mixture to the circulation inlet (12) which embodies the detectors (5), the secondary pump (13) pumps the regulated mixture to the outlet (4).

The operation of the pumps ("Primary pump" ( 11 ), "Secondary Pump" (13)) positioned within the tank (1) is controlled by the control unit (10). In order for the mixture to reach at the desired particle amount, only the feed of clean fluid or fluid with particle charge to the mixture within the control volume (9) can be cut or reduced according to each other. In this case, by stopping the operation of the secondary pump (13), by making the control volume (9) larger, the density of the mixture can be increased or it can be made more dilute.

The subject system describes an apparatus which will be used with the purpose of privately detecting the particle density of the waste water/grey water, using and regulation of the same according to the desired values. However, different applications of the invention can be operated based on regulation of the solid particle amount of the mixtures created in the food sector or optimization of the matter content of the fluids used in many fields related to industry before usage by blending.

The apparatus described within the scope of the invention is composed of a tank (1) and parts which are connected to or in relation to it. By this means, the system is a portable compact structure. An apparatus positioned into a fluid system can be easily removed from its position and transported to a different fluid system. This transportation process does not require high cost and timely mounting procedures.

This situation eliminates the mounting-demounting problems of the known apparatuses composed of several tanks (1).

Claims

A fluid mixing apparatus consisting of a tank (1) which has at least one fluid inlet with particle charge (2) connected to the fluid line with particle charge and at least one fluid inlet (3) connected to the clean fluid line, wherein the apparatus comprises a detector (5) and a control unit (10) which enables the measurement of the particle amount in the last mixture formed by mixing instantaneously and regulation of the measured particle amount, characterized in that it comprises:

• at least one mixer (6) which enables continuous mixing of the liquid within the control volume (9),

• at least one detector (5) which can transfer real time data by measuring the particle charge of the pumped fluid continuously, by being positioned outside the control volume (9),

• at least one primary pump (11) which can send fluid continuously to the detector (5),

• at least one circulation line (14) which enables the fluid sent to the detector (5) to be returned to the control volume (9).

A fluid mixing apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a detector (5) positioned on the circulation line (14).

A fluid mixing apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a detector (5) positioned on the circulation inlet (12). A fluid mixing apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that, for the purpose of transferring the clean fluid and fluid with particle charge to the tank (1) under control, it contains a control unit (10) which can control the turn on/off and transfer elements located on the tank (1) and the line on which the fluid is transferred.

A fluid mixing apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one mixer (6) which is in relation with the control volume (9) and whose turn on/off status and operating rate is controlled by the control unit (10).

A fluid mixing apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a tank (1) equipped with at least one discharge valve (8) .

A fluid mixing apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a detector (5) which is composed of a beam sender probe and a beam receiver probe and which can measure the particle density of the mixture over the descending beam waves between two probes.

A fluid mixing apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a secondary pump (13) which pumps the regulated mixture to the mixture outlet (4) . A fluid mixing apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a weight measurement unit (7) which operates in relation with the control unit (10) , with the purpose of continuously detecting the weight of the control volume (9) created within the tank (1) .