Abstract: Apparatus for injecting dye in a fuel flow line is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid powered motor adapted for placement in a fuel flow line, a dye reservoir and a fluid injector connected between the reservoir and the flow line and driven by the fluid powered motor. The fluid powered motor, dye reservoir, and fluid injector are all housed within a container having a thermostatically controlled heater disposed in it. The arrangement insures that the temperature of dye applied to the fuel flow line is maintained above a certain level during cold weather, thereby preventing the viscosity of the dye from rising above a certain level and preventing clogging and fouling of the dye delivery system which may be caused by high viscosity of the dye.

Abstract: A separation and reclamation apparatus for separating a first discrete-phase solids material from a fluid mixture including, in addition, a second discrete-phase solids material and a continuous-phase carrier fluid, has a unitary vessel having a discharge tank connected to a receiving tank and in fluid communication therewith through an opening on the bottom side wall of the receiving tank. The receiving tank both mixes and transports the mixture. A controller actuates a door over the opening for transport of the first discrete-phase solids material out of the receiving tank into the discharge tank via a conveyor having an open discharge end higher than the top of the receiving tank. The apparatus includes a pump arranged to intake material from the discharge tank from contents remaining in the vessel after removal of the first discrete-phase solids.

Abstract: A process is provided for modifying the residence time distribution of materials in an extruder which results in a residence time distribution comparable to that obtained in a continuous stirred tank reactor. An extruder is provided which has a section which modifies the residence time distribution of materials loaded into the extruder.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dispersing or dissolving a pelletized material in a liquid, in which a pelletized material is placed on a platform in a container having a lower chamber portion, and a stream of liquid is introduced into that lower chamber to produce a vortex of the liquid which washes across the pelletized material, thereby causing it to become dispersed or dissolved into the liquid.

Abstract: A sewage treatment system which presents a main flow line and a recirculating line, the former for flock which has appreciated in size due to the addition of a polymer and passage through an area of agitation/turbulence and the latter for the return of small sized flock to the agitator/turbulence area for size increase. The passageways of the system include movable flaps, serving recirculation purposes, and a ledge or flutter for current creation and flock build-up. Raw liquid sewage enters the system, where the outlet leads to a belt press and/or a dry bed to cake the resulting sludge.

Abstract: A mixing method uses, and a colloidal grout mixing apparatus comprises, an upright cylindrical vessel in which a mixer is located. The mixer comprises a shaft extending substantially co-axially with the longitudinal axis of the vessel, and a paddle assembly mounted on the shaft. The paddle assembly produces a vortex in liquid in the vessel, and also provides a high shear region near the base of the vessel. A non-shear pump is connected to the base to discharge grout from the vessel. The grout may be discharged to a drum containing radioactive waste and mounted on a vibratory platform.

Abstract: A process and device for the crystallization of sugar syrup is described. Sugar syrup is cooked to provide a massecuite. Thereafter, the massecuite is subjected to at least one stage of continuous mixing under vacuum to promote crystallization of the massecuite. The crystallized massecuite is then separated to separate the crystals from the mother liquor. The mother liquor is thereafter divided into a first discharge which is water syrup poor and a second discharge which is water syrup rich. Substantially all of the first discharge is recycled to the continuous mixing stage under vacuum. Accordingly, the massecuite and the crystals are subjected to a treatment having continuity during mixing under vacuum to maintain homogeneity of the sugar crystals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and dispensing a coating material formulation containing a liquid coating composition and a supercritical fluid as a diluent comprises a closed vessel having a hollow interior; a system for supplying fluid diluent into the vessel interior and for transforming the fluid diluent into supercritical fluid within the vessel; and, a system for introducing liquid coating composition into the vessel interior in such a way that it is sufficiently exposed to the supercritical fluid to form a fluid diluent rich phase and a liquid coating composition or resin rich phase which is saturated with supercritical fluid up to or near its saturation point for the temperature and pressure conditions within the vessel. The resin rich phase has a higher density than the fluid diluent rich phase and therefore collects on the bottom of the vessel from where it is withdrawn and supplied to coating dispensers for deposition on a substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for continuous pneumatic gravimetric metering and/or mixing of pourable materials using at least one gravimetric metering apparatus incorporated in a closed loop air conveying path.

Abstract: An autoclave-type reaction vessel has a mechanism for stirring and recirculating the cocoa solution, the mechanism having a greater mechanical performance which allows for an increase in the efficiency of the various processing steps, in particular via an increase in the water content of the solution. In a closed vat (1), stirring elements (32 to 35) are mounted on a hollow rotatable shaft (6) driven by a back-geared motor (7). Some of the solution is drawn off at the bottom of the vat by an external pump (36) which delivers it up the inside of the hollow shaft (6) to a spraying head (41). Processing fluids (48, 49) such as neutral gases and alkaline solutions may be added to the solution before it reaches the pump (36).

Abstract: An integrated process blending apparatus which blends particulate material and also automatically controls the flow of material into the blender and out to the associated processing equipment. Load cells attached to the blender vessel are used to control the entry of material into the blender, while the pressure drop in the blender output pipe is used to control an output deflector to either remove or recycle material within the blender. The blender is also made more effective by dividing it into vertical compartments with separators which have angled portions preferably in their lower regions to cause different downward flow velocities in each compartment, and by creating a multistage blender by stacking sets of offset compartments one on top of another.

Abstract: A viscous fluid pumping system having a pair of opposing gears (130, 132) is provided in a housing (32) disposed above an inlet port (73) in a follower plate (70). The follower plate (70) is dimensioned to sealingly fit in a container or drum (D) filled with highly-viscous fluid. In operation, the gears generate a vacuum between the follower plate (70) and the viscous fluid, allowing atmospheric pressure to press the follower plate into the viscous fluid. This, in turn, forces the fluid through the inlet port (73) and into the gears (130, 132). The gears exert high shear forces and localized heating to the fluid, decreasing its viscosity. The fluid exits the system through an outlet in the gear housing. The pumping system may use two such pumps working in conjunction or incorporate a single such pump with a valve structure for recycling fluid through itself.

Abstract: A cleaning system and dispenser are disclosed which feature a reservoir for retaining a liquid detergent solution; a chamber for retaining a mass of solid, dissolvable detergent; a measurement device for measuring the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution; and a flow control device for circulating the liquid detergent solution from the reservoir into contact with the solid detergent so as to dissolve a portion of the solid detergent and increase the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution. The circulation of the liquid detergent solution is in response to a signal from the concentration measuring device that the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution has fallen below a predetermined minimum. The dispenser also includes a measurement device for measuring the volume of solution in the reservoir and for adding fresh water to the reservoir when the volume of solution is below a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: An agitating apparatus, especially but not exclusively for dispensing fruit juices from a bag-in-box arrangement, includes a connector (18) adapted for fitment to the bag and having an inlet (20) and at least one outlet (22) each connected to a pump whereby on operation of the pump the bag's contents are agitated, the contents being dispensed by way of a dispenser (32) either interposed in a line between the pump and inlet (20) or connected to a second outlet (46) from the dispenser.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus comprises two or more tubs in which mixtures can be mixed to obtain averaging of a particular property, such as density. Two recirculation lines are used. One recirculates between an initial mixing tub and a mixing inlet, and the other recirculates from the additional, secondary averaging tub(s) and the mixing inlet. Computer control responds to densities of fluids recirculated through both of the recirculation lines. In a preferred embodiment, the computer is also responsive to pressure of one of the inlet substances. In response to these measured inputs and other data entered through a data entry terminal, the computer generates control signals for controlling the inputs of both of two inlet substances. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus and a corresponding method utilize displacement tanks both as averaging tubs and as conventional displacement tanks.

Abstract: An integrated process blending apparatus which blends particulate material and is also adaptable to store blender inventory to thereby integrate process feed with the blending function. The apparatus comprises a fluidized bed blending means to preblend that raw feed which is not send directly to the gravity blender. Overflow from the fluidized bed means is directed into a storage chamber means from which it can be withdrawn upon demand and sent into the blender. The blender is also made more effective by dividing it into vertical compartments with separators which have angled portions preferably in their lower regions to cause different downward flow velocities in each compartment, and by creating a multistage blender by stacking sets of offset compartments one on top of another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously and rapidly hydrating a polymer-based fracturing fluid. The invention is based upon the efficient application of high shear energy in order to increase the rate of hydration of the polymer. The invention includes the timing of the application of shear energy, the amount of shear energy applied and the manner in which it is applied. Specifically, the high shear energy is preferably not applied until at least 45 seconds after the mixing of a polymer slurry with a base liquid. Preferably, at least 2 hydraulic horsepower/barrel/minute of shear energy is applied to the mixture. Additionally, the mixture is recycled to maximize the benefits of application of high shear energy.

Abstract: A jet agitation system for preparation of agricultural seeding and other fluids ensures breakdown of mulch clumps and complete mixing of the seed-mulch-water mixture. The jet agitation system includes a tank with an access port at the top, a non-clogging pump coupled to withdraw the mixture from the bottom of the tank, a spray head and control valves terminating supply and return hoses and a manifold for distributing fluid to a plurality of nozzles or jets disposed within the tank. The jets are preferably positioned above the fluid level and expel liquid under pressure which breaks down the paper mulch and circulates the fluid in the tank, thereby fully mixing it. Fluid may be supplied to the nozzles or jets during spraying in order to maintain the mixture in a fully mixed state.

Abstract: The mixer circuit comprises a vertically oriented, open-topped mixer vessel having a cylindrical side wall terminating with a shallow conical bottom. The bottom wall forms a central bottom outlet. Recycled slurry and fresh water streams are fed tangentially to the inner surface of the vessel, thereby forming a vortex. The oil sand enters as a continuous, free-flowing stream moving along a downward trajectory; the stream impinges the vortex, wherein it is dispersed and mixed to create slurry. The slurry exits through the bottom outlet, is screened to remove oversize material, and enters a holding vessel. Part of the slurry in the holding vessel is recycled to the mixer vessel through a pipe loop incorporating a pump. The slurry is energized by the pump and functions to maintain and partly create the rapidly moving vortex that carries out the mixing and lump-disintegration actions. The balance of the slurry in the holding vessel is pumped out as product.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention there is provided a process for the preparation of pigmented ink jet inks comprising:(a) mixing at least one pigment and at least one pigment dispersant in a dispersant medium to form a pigmented ink mixture wherein pigment is present in an amount up to 60% by weight based on the total weight of the mixture;(b) deflocculating the pigmented ink mixture by passing the pigmented ink mixture through at least a plurality of nozzles within a liquid jet interaction chamber at a liquid pressure of at least 1,000 psi to produce a substantially uniform dispersion of pigment particles in the dispersant medium.

Abstract: A dry bulk cement storage and mixing system comprises one or more generally cylindrical storage tanks or bins having somewhat wedge shaped bottom discharge sections with tapered flight conveyor screws extending across the diameter of the bin at the convergence of opposed sloping sidewalls of the bottom section. The conveyor screw is connected to a pneumatic fluidizing plenum wherein compressed air is introduced into the plenum for conveying material to a mixer or recirculating the material back into a selected storage tank through a distributor device mounted on top of the tank which distributes the material to minimize segregation of smaller or less dense particles during discharge of the material into the storage tank. One embodiment of the storage tank is mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis and includes a transversely extending cement unloading and vent conduit extending within the tank chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing asbestos chips to render them into an environmentally safe state for storage. The chips are deaerated under negative pressure while being agitated and kneaded with cement into a muddy state. After they are solidified, the absence of air bubbles in the asbestos fibers prevents the eventual scattering of the fibers into the environment.

Abstract: A method is provided to generate over a confined space precisely defined distributions of the magnitude of the wall shearing stresses in a substrate/fluid boundary layer. A fluid flow is rotated around a center axis in the confined space. Simultaneously a defined fluid volume is removed in the rotational axis of the flow per unit time and recirculated or replenished through return openings in the lid or sidewall.

Abstract: A self-stirring container for a consumable liquid having an integral stirring apparatus including a hollow handle and a pump which pumps liquid from the bottom of the container up through the handle and back into the top of the container thereby mixing the liquid in a continuous manner until it becomes homogeneous.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining powered and liquid constituents to form a slurry, comprises a first tank for initially holding a quantity of liquid and a second tank having an upper and a lower end. A first conduit has a valve extending from the first tank to the second tank. A control means responsive to the liquid level in the second tank closes the valve when the liquid in the second tank reaches a predetermined maximum level. This maximum level is substantially lower than the full volumetric capacity of the second tank so that an open chamber is formed above the maximum liquid level. A vacuum pump attached to the upper end of said second tank creates a reduced pressure in its open chamber.

Abstract: The production of a water-in-oil emulsion proceeds by an exact dosing of the desired water-oil ratio in a dosing apparatus. The dosed mixture is fed into a mixing chamber for producing the emulsion proper. Thereafter, the emulsion is fed out of the chamber via a funnel-like narrowing outlet into a storage tank, within which the emulsion is kept in permanent motion. A partial quantity of the emulsion is drawn off this chamber and returned possibly together with newly made emulsion to the mixing chamber. A further partial quantity of the emulsion is drawn off the storage tank and fed to the consumer. The conveying of the mixture and maintaining of the circulation, resp. is achieved by a pump located ahead of the mixing chamber. The apparatus has specific application for the production of a water-in-oil emulsion for the operation of combustion engines or oil burners.

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprises a carriage for carrying a printing head capable of recording on a recording sheet, a drive belt secured to the carriage for reciprocating the carriage relative to the recording sheet when the drive belt is driven, a rotatable feed roller for feeding the recording sheet past the printing head when the feed roller is driven, a reversible motor having a rotatable motor shaft, a drive pulley mounted to the motor shaft, wherein the drive belt passes over the drive pulley to reciprocate the carriage when the motor shaft is rotated in different directions, a worm wheel mounted to the feed roller to rotate therewith to feed a recording sheet when the worm wheel is rotated in a predetemined direction, a worm gear mounted to the motor shaft, wherein the worm gear meshes with the worm wheel to rotate it in different directions when the motor shaft is rotated in respective different directions, and a one-way clutch cooperating with the said feed roller and the worm wheel to transmit the ro

Abstract: A gas-liquid mass transfer apparatus and method, such as for the rapid heating of a liquid stream by a heated gas stream, such as steam, or the rapid dissolving of a gas stream into a liquid stream, which apparatus comprises: a housing having an axial flow path; static or motionless mixing elements disposed in the axial flow path; and passages in the housing to provide for the direct introduction of the gas stream into and about the liquid stream in the axial flow path and substantially along the length of the static mixing elements to provide a mixed product stream.

Abstract: A self-leveling mixer apparatus includes a base and a generally downwardly tapered movable mixing tub supported from the base in a manner such that the tub is movable between first and second positions relative to the base. A leveling valve is provided for controlling a level of fluid in the movable mixing tub. A connector linkage operably associated with the tub and the leveling valve is connected therebetween for adjusting the leveling valve in response to movement of the mixing tub relative to the base. The tub preferably has a generally oval shaped upper end and a generally circular shaped lower end and is constantly tapered therebetween. A tub orientation control linkage is provided to prevent tilting of the tub as it moves between its upper and lower positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a post-forming gel comprising, a first cylinder having a chamber and a slidable piston separating the chamber into a first compartment to receive a gel base and a second compartment, and a second cylinder having a chamber and a slidable piston separating the chamber into a first compartment to receive the gel base and a second compartment, with the first compartments of the first and second cylinder facing each other. The apparatus has a shaft connecting the pistons of the first and second cylinders, and a conduit connecting the first compartments of the first and second cylinders. The apparatus has a device for reciprocating the pistons in the first and second cylinders to cycle the gel base through the conduit between the first compartments of the first and second cylinders, and a device for introducing a foaming agent to the gel base while it is being cycled between the cylinders.

Abstract: A truck-mounted apparatus is capable of blending liquid/liquid or liquid/solid constituents in a high capacity blending operation, and the apparatus achieves a high degree of versatility in the introduction of materials into a blender apparatus (10) for discharge from either or both sides of the truck or other vehicle. A closed loop system (12) permits suction of liquid materials as well as discharge of mixed materials from one or both sides of the truck, and is capable of flushing or other pumping operations as well. Moreover, the closed loop system (12) includes a pump (62) as a part of the closed loop system which, together with the blender (10), is operable off of a common drive, such as the power transmission train of the truck.

Abstract: A blender system includes a blender tub for blending a solid particulate material in a liquid. The tub has a tub outlet defined therein. The system also includes a pump having a pump suction inlet and a pump discharge. A suction conduit is provided for conducting a tub outlet stream from the tub outlet and a liquid supply stream from a liquid supply to the pump suction inlet. A solids concentrator device is provided for separating a pump discharge stream from the pump discharge into a lower density recirculating stream and a higher density concentrator discharge stream. The concentrator device has a concentrator inlet for receiving the pump discharge stream, a low density outlet for directing the recirculating stream back to the tub, and a high density outlet for discharging the concentrator discharge stream.

Abstract: A blender system includes a blender tub for blending a solid particulate material in a liquid. The tub has a tub outlet defined therein. The system also includes a pump having a pump suction inlet and a pump discharge. A suction conduit is provided for conducting a tub outlet stream from the tub outlet and a liquid supply stream from a liquid supply to the pump suction inlet. A solids concentrator device is provided for separating a pump discharge stream from the pump discharge into a lower density recirculating stream and a higher density concentrator discharge stream. The concentrator device has a concentrator inlet for receiving the pump discharge stream, a low density outlet for directing the recirculating stream back to the tub, and a high density outlet for discharging the concentrator discharge stream.

Abstract: A dry bulk cement storage and mixing system comprises one or more generally cylindrical storage tanks or bins having somewhat wedge shaped bottom discharge sections with tapered flight conveyor screws extending across the diameter of the bin at the convergence of opposed sloping sidewalls of the bottom section. The conveyor screw is connected to a pneumatic fluidizing plenum wherein compressed air is introduced into the plenum for conveying material to a mixer or recirculating the material back into a selected storage tank through a distributor device mounted on top of the tank which distributes the material to minimize segregation of smaller or less dense particles during discharge of the material into the storage tank. One embodiment of the storage tank is mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis and includes a transversely extending cement unloading and vent conduit extending within the tank chamber.

Abstract: There are disclosed apparatus and methods for mixing solids that are difficult to mix. The apparatus includes means for providing a slurry of the solid to be mixed to the inlet side of a centrifugal recirculating pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for proportioning reaction mixtures, particularly for the manufacture of hard polyurethane foam. The apparatus includes two proportioning cylinders each for proportioning one of the components to a mixing head. The pistons of the two proportioning cylinders can be operated alternatingly for filling the cylinders with the compound and subsequently ejecting the component from the cylinders. Double-acting hydraulic cylinders driven by a common hydraulic pump operate independently from each other the proportioning pistons of the two proportioning cylinders. A servo-controlled proportional valve is provided in each of the connecting lines between the hydraulic cylinders and the hydraulic pump. The control cycles of the proportional valves determining the ejection of the two cooperating proportioning cylinders are adjusted relative to each other so as to temporarily overlap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to generate over a confined space precisely defined distributions of the magnitude of the wall shearing stresses in a substrate/fluid boundary layer. A fluid flow is rotated around a center axis in the confined space. Simultaneously a defined fluid volume is removed in the rotational axis of the flow per unit time and recirculated or replenished through return openings in the lid or sidewall.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a post-foaming gel comprising, a first cylinder having a chamber and a slidable piston separating the chamber into a first compartment to receive a gel base and a second compartment, a second cylinder having a chamber and a slidable piston separating the chamber into a first compartment to receive the gel base and a second compartment, a conduit connecting the first compartments of the first and second cylinders, a device for reciprocating the pistons in the first and second cylinders to cycle the gel base through the conduit between the first compartments of the first and second cylinders, and a device for introducing a foaming agent to the gel base while it is being cycled between the cylinders.

Abstract: A fraction of a fluid mixture of two non miscible phases carried in a pipe (2) is tapped by a conduit (4), pressurized by a pump (6) and reinjected by nozzles (22, 24) to form jets which spray the drops of the discontinuous phase. For this purpose, these jets are installed like bars on a grid barring the pipe (2) with opposed jets of the discontinuous phase striking each other to ensure droplet formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for making post-foaming gels comprising, a piston chamber having an outer case defining a chamber, a piston being slidably received in the case and separating the chamber into a first compartment adjacent one end of the case for retaining a gel base, and a second compartment adjacent the other end of the case for retaining a compressed gas, with said piston having a hollow stem extending out of the other end of the case. The apparatus has a device for circulating the gel base through the stem and first compartment, and a device for introducing a foaming agent to the gel base while it is being circulated throught the piston chamber.

Abstract: A batch mixing process for the preparation of a beverage syrup which results in a requirement for significantly lesser quantities of water in the syrup mixing process, primarily by reducing the amount of rinse water required to rinse between the mixing of the separate components of the beverage syrup. The syrup batching loop employs a main syrup tank and a subsidiary premixing tank for premixing selected components of the beverage syrup with a quantity of water to dilute each premixed component. A feed line extends from the premixing tank to the syrup tank, such that after dilution, each diluted premixed component can be pumped therethrough from the premixing tank to the main syrup tank.

Abstract: A blender vehicle apparatus includes a vehicle having a vehicle frame. An internal combustion engine driven hydraulic power package is mounted on the vehicle frame. A plurality of liquid additive storage tanks are mounted on the frame adjacent the power package. An operator's work platform, including a control station, is mounted on the vehicle frame adjacent the storage tanks on a side thereof opposite the power package. A hydraulically powered blender assembly is also included, and a hydraulically powered lifting apparatus is mounted on the vehicle frame for moving the blender assembly between a lowered position and a raised position. The raised position of the blender assembly is located above the vehicle frame and adjacent the work platform on a side thereof opposite the storage tanks.

Abstract: A self-leveling mixing apparatus includes a transportable skid frame. A mixing tub is supported from the frame in a manner such that the tube is movable between first and second positions relative to the frame. The tube has a tub fluid outlet defined in a lower portion thereof. A suction conduit is supported from the skid frame for transport therewith and includes a manifold inlet, a manifold outlet, and a tub outlet conduit portion located upstream of the manifold outlet and connected to the tub fluid outlet. A leveling valve is also included and is disposed in the suction conduit upstream of the manifold outlet for controlling a level of fluid in the tub. A connector linkage operably connects the tube and the leveling valve for adjusting the leveling valve in response to movement of the tub relative to the skid frame.

Abstract: A truck-mounted apparatus is capable of blending liquid/liquid or liquid/solid constituents in a high capacity blending operation, and the apparatus achieves a high degree of versatility in the introduction of materials into a blender apparatus (10) for discharge from either or both sides of the truck or other vehicle. A closed loop system (12) permits suction of liquid maaterials as well as discharge of mixed materials from one or both sides of the truck, and is capable of flushing or other pumping operations as well. Moreover, the closed loop system (12) includes a pump (62) as a part of the closed loop system which, together with the blender (10), is operable off of a common drive, such as the power transmission train of the truck.

Abstract: System for preparing on a continuous basis high-internal-phase ratio emulsions wherein the external and internal phase materials making up such emulsions have highly disparate viscosities. The phase materials are introduced into a recirculation line and a portion of the prepared emulsion is continuously directly recycled through the system.

Abstract: A mixer suitable for mixing a particulate material with a liquid. The mixer has a particulate material conduit, and a volute chamber disposed about the conduit. The volute chamber has a liquid inlet and an open lower end through which the particulate material conduit extends, to define an annular liquid outlet of the volute chamber. A transition cone communicates with the liquid outlet of the volute chamber and extends downward from it. At least a portion of the transition cone tapers inward while extending downward from a position not substantially lower than an outlet at the lower end of the conduit, to a position which is not substantially thereabove. Preferably the transition cone tapers as described, from a position above the conduit outlet to a position therebelow. A substantially straight downpipe is connected to, and extends downward from, a lower end of the transition cone.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for intimately mixing and contacting first and second fluids for purposes of scrubbing and cleaning one of the fluids with the other. The apparatus includes a venturi mixer device having a nozzle and feed conduit for mixing two fluid streams together. In addition, the venturi mixer device has an impingement member upon which the mixed stream of fluids impinge immediately following the mixing of the streams of fluid. The venturi mixer devices are preferably arranged in a cascade arrangement with subsequent devices being spaced a vertical distance from the previous respective devices. First and second fluids are mixed together in the initial venturi mixer device. The mixed effluents from the initial and intermediate venturi mixer devices are used as the drive fluid for subsequent, respective, downstream venturi mixer devices to further mix additional second fluid to the mixed effluents.

Abstract: The invention consists of a centrifugal mixer with an upper rotor (3) for projection of particles, which is hard-mounted to rotor (4) allowing centrifuging of fluid (15).The invention lies in the creation of a low-pressure zone within the high-pressure zone of enclosure (23), for introduction of particles (20); this in turn requires the use of disturber (27).The result is a remarkable degree of mixing of the water and cement and has applications for oil field services.

Abstract: A method of mixing particulate cement and water in a primary mixing vessel to form a slurry batch, includes introducing a measured quantity of water into the vessel, introducing a measured quantity of particulate cement into the vessel, agitating the water and cement in the vessel to form a slurry, and while continuing such agitating, pumping slurry from the lower interior extend of the vessel and delivering the pumped slurry to the upper interior of the vessel, at high velocity, removing slurry from the vessel for flow to an auxiliary mixing vessel for mixing with aggregate, and employing wash water to wash remanent slurry from surfaces in the primary mixing vessel for flow to the auxiliary vessel.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the thickening of mud-like slurries produced during the course of industrial processes, e.g. the thickening of red muds produced during operation of the Bayer process for the production of alumina. The invention involves the step of feeding the slurry, a fluocculating agent and washing liquor to a deep thickening vessel having an underflow outlet for the thickened slurry and an overflow outlet for clarified washing liquor. The solids content of the slurry leaving the underflow outlet is increased and kept constant by the use of a stirrer having a number of generally vertical rod-like members rotated in the vessel above the underflow outlet. The stirrer enhances dewatering of the slurry and prevents undue build up of thick inactive mud which may block the outlet or cause fluctuations in the solids content of the thickened slurry.