Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for controlled mixing or agitation of fluids and slurries using the generation and propagation of vortex rings. The vortex rings are generated from a generator plate. The novelties are a central drive shaft which moderates the behavior of the vortex rings, the driving of the generator plate through a drive spider from the drive shaft which can also moderate the behavior of the vortex rings, the addition of flexible generator plates to enhance the scope of mixing and material selection, the addition of contoured generator plates, and the addition of plate disruptors which permits the controlled dissemination vortex rings. Furthermore the use of a hollow drive shaft with selected orifices or nozzles permits the controlled introduction and extraction of material from the fluid being mixed while the apparatus is in motion. This also permits an agitation system which is basically self contained.

Abstract: A method of mixing fluids and mixing equipment is disclosed wherein an orifice plate is caused to be reciprocated at right angles to the plane of the orifice plate in a fluid to generate a ring vortex through the orifice, the orifice in the plate and the stroke of the plate are defined by the relationship 0.8.ltoreq.L/d.ltoreq.3.8, where L is the stroke of the plate and d is the diameter of the orifice.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mixing or agitating fluids using vortex rings in which a tube of inside diameter d is inserted into the fluid with an open end in the fluid. Fluid is drawn into the tube, and a slug of fluid is propelled a distance L down and out of the tube to create a vortex ring at the exit of the tube for propagation through the fluid. The ratio of L/d is between 0.8 and 3.8. The propelling means preferably involves a pulser cylinder communicating with the tube and a piston positioned in the pulser cylinder for reciprocating motion towards and away from the fluid to be mixed or agitated, or a bellows serving a similar function. The propelling means provides a generally square wave pressure impulse to the fluid to eject it from the tube in the form of a vortex ring.