Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing liquid(s) by producing shear, turbulence and/or cavitation, and components for the apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: Microfluidic Systems, Devices and Methods for Reducing Diffusion and Compliance Effects at a Fluid Mixing Region. According to one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided for combining fluids in a mixing region. The microfluidic device can include a fluid mixing region connected to a first and second microscale channel. The microscale channels can advance fluids to the fluid mixing region. The microscale channels can include constricted flow portions. According to another embodiment, the microscale channels can be connected to waste channels for removing fluid diffused into one of the channels from the other channel. According to yet another embodiment, a microfluidic system is provided for controlling the flow of fluids through the microscale channels for reducing or eliminating diffusion between the channels.

Abstract: A device for producing a mixture of two phases that are insoluble in each other comprises a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel which lead into a contact region. Also, a third fluid channel is provided which leads into the contact region. The device comprises an imparter configured to impart a rotation on the fluid channels, a first phase being centrifugally supplied to the contact region through the first fluid channel, and a second phase, insoluble in the first phase, being supplied to the contact region through the second fluid channel, compressive and/or shearing forces in the contact region which are centrifugally/hydrodynamically induced by the rotation causing drops to break away in one of the phases supplied in order to produce the mixture of the first and second phases.

Abstract: A manifold comprises a conduit for conveying a fluid stream, a plurality of nozzles, and a plurality of valves. Each nozzle is connected to a corresponding port in the conduit, and each valve is connected to a corresponding nozzle. The ports can be disposed at discrete locations on two or more transverse planes of the conduit and such that no longitudinal, diametrical plane of the conduit passing through the center point of any one of the ports is coplanar with a longitudinal, diametrical plane of the conduit passing through the center point of a longitudinally adjacent port. Alternatively, the ports can be disposed at discrete locations on the conduit such that no longitudinal, diametrical plane of the conduit passing through the center point of any one of the ports is coplanar with a longitudinal, diametrical plane of the conduit passing through the center point of any other port.

Abstract: A mixing device comprising a first housing, a second housing, a swedge (or reducer), an inlet for carrier fluid, and an inlet for chemicals, wherein the ratio of the inside diameter of the first housing to the inside diameter of the second housing is in the range of 1:2 to 1:8; the change in diameter between the first and second housing is abrupt, inside the first housing are an inlet agitator and an injection nozzle, inside the second housing is a static mixer, and the swedge is connected to tubing that delivers a mixture of carrier fluid and chemical down a well bore. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention comprises two or three mixing assemblies on a frame.

Abstract: A mixing device comprising three mixing assemblies and first and second horizontal inlet arms, wherein the mixing assemblies are arranged horizontally on a frame, with one mixing assembly on the bottom, one on the top, and one in the middle of the other two mixing assemblies. Each mixing assembly comprises a first housing, a second housing, and a swedge. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the inside diameter of the first housing to the inside diameter of the second housing is 1:2, the change in diameter between the first and second housing is abrupt, and the first housing extends into the second housing by a certain distance. Inside the first housing are an inlet agitator and injection nozzle, and inside the second housing is a static mixer. The injection nozzle is located proximate to the point at which the change in diameter occurs between the first and second housing.

Abstract: Described is a mixing device and method for mixing fluids. Fluids to be mixed are introduced into a near-critical or a supercritical fluid carrier fluid. A density gradient is generated in the carrier fluid upon introduction of a fluid to be mixed that induces a convective velocity that provides for rapid mixing. The invention has application in such commercial applications as semiconductor and wafer fabrication where rapid cycle times or rapid mixing of fluids is required and where low tolerances for residues are permitted.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided including at least one chamber accessible by microfiuidic channels characterized in that the surface of the channels and the chambers are patterned and comprise hydrophilic and hydrophobic areas. The surface energy in correspondence of the areas, i.e., the capillary force, being such that a liquid can be guided along the hydrophilic path, enter the chamber from one side, wet part of one surface of the chamber as a thin layer without touching the opposite surface of the chamber, thus avoiding to fill the volume inside the chamber in correspondence of the hydrophilic pattern until a second liquid, either sequentially or in parallel, comes to wet part of the opposite surface of the chamber and eventually touches the first liquid layer, resulting in a sudden coalescence and efficient mixing between the liquids.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing and dispensing a liquid deicer. The apparatus and method allow deicer ingredients or precursors to be combined in an exothermic reaction to produce a heated deicer at the location where it will be used. In one implementation, potassium hydroxide and acetic acid are combined using the apparatus and method to make hot potassium acetate for use in numerous deicer applications, including deicing of airport runways.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing and dispensing a liquid deicer. The apparatus and method allow deicer ingredients or precursors to be combined in an exothermic reaction to produce a heated deicer at the location where it will be used. In one implementation, potassium hydroxide and acetic acid are combined using the apparatus and method to make hot potassium acetate for use in numerous deicer applications, including deicing of airport runways.

Abstract: Systems and methods to prepare an emulsion are described herein. In one embodiment, a mixture of two or more non-miscible components may be sent to a fluid treatment system which creates an emulsion of the mixture. An emulsification system may include a reservoir and/or one or more fluid treatment systems.

Abstract: There is provided a microdevice in which a plurality of fluids L1, L2 and L3 are caused to pass through respective fluid supply passages and flow together in one mixing reaction flow path, and the fluids are diffused in the normal direction of the contact interface thereof while being allowed to flow as a thin layer shaped laminar flow, by which mixing or reaction is carried out. The fluid supply passages are of a concentric multiple cylindrical construction to concentrically laminate the fluids L1, L2 and L3 joined together in the mixing reaction flow path, and the opening width near a joining point of the fluids is reduced to contract the flow.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for filling a reservoir through one or a plurality of inlet nozzles to encourage mixing. The inlet nozzles include a specifically designed size reduction between the main line or branch to which the inlet nozzle is attached and the nozzle pipe itself; a specifically designed nozzle pipe length which, combined with the pressure increase provided by the size reduction, will produce the most appropriate jet flow; and a specifically designed location and orientation of the inlet nozzle within the reservoir. These parameters produce a developed turbulent jet flow which, when the inlet nozzle is positioned at the appropriate elevation and oriented in the appropriate direction(s), will direct the developed turbulent jet flow with the appropriate momentum to reach the surface of the water with initial major mixing taking place in this area. A corresponding draining system and method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Dissolution of a raw material, fusion of a raw material, or treatment for enhancing the fluidity of a raw material is completed in a short time by an agitation mixer 10 comprising a casing 20 in which a flow channel allowing the passage of fluid is mounted inside, an agitator body 40 mounted inside the casing and connected to a vibration source 46, a material inlet 12 mounted on the lowermost part of the casing 20 to feed the raw material into the casing 20, and a steam feeder 30 for injecting steam into the inside of the casing 20. Agitation chambers 26 divided by partition plates 24 are formed in the casing 20. A pressure gage 32 for measuring injection pressure of the steam is attached to the steam feeder 30. An outlet 14 is mounted on the uppermost part of the casing 20 to eject the raw material after the raw material is treated. Further, one of the agitation chambers 26 to which the outlet 14 is mounted includes a filter 50 placed so as to surround the agitator body 40.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and pneumatically conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Pneumatic transport may be achieved either by a single transport line, or a plurality of transport lines. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapidly producing an emulsion and microcapsules in a simple manner. A dispersion phase is ejected from a dispersion phase-feeding port toward a continuous phase flowing in a microchannel such that flows of the dispersion phase and the continuous phase cross each other, thereby obtaining microdroplets, formed by the shear force of the continuous phase, having a size smaller than the width of the channel for feeding the dispersion phase.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus that includes a drop on demand fluid dispenser for adding an additive fluid to a receiver liquid to produce a composite liquid that includes the receiver liquid and the additive fluid.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for feeding a chemical into a liquid flow are especially suited for use with a headbox of a paper machine, particularly for feeding a retention aid into a fiber suspension flow going to the headbox so that in a mixing apparatus feed liquid is added into the retention chemical solution, prior to introducing the solution into the fiber suspension flow guided to the paper machine. The feed liquid is preferably a circulation water from the paper mill, or another non-clean liquid from a paper mill.

Abstract: A hydration apparatus for use with a hydration tank. The hydration apparatus disperses incoming gel into existing gel in the hydration tank to increase the hydration time of the incoming gel. The hydration apparatus includes flow conduits communicated with gel inlets in the hydration tank. The flow conduits redirect the flow of the incoming gel. The flow conduits preferably redirect the flow from a generally horizontal direction to generally vertically upwardly direction. The hydration apparatus has a plurality of deflectors positioned in the hydration tank. Flow exiting an end of the flow conduits is deflected by the deflectors and dispersed into existing gel in the hydration tank. The flow conduits are preferably perforated flow conduits so that a portion of incoming gel passes through openings in the sides of the flow conduits while a portion of the incoming gel passes through an exit of the flow conduits.

Abstract: A method of mixing including providing a slurry (26, 126) having a first fiber (14, 114) into a container (20, 120), introducing an agitation fluid (31, 138) into the slurry to cause a mixing motion (38, 138) within the slurry, and delivering a second fiber (16, 116) into the slurry, whereby the mixing motion mixes the first and second fibers to create a fiber mixture.

Abstract: The invention provides a mixer capable of mixing two kinds of liquids with each other while varying a mixing ratio in a wide range of the flow rates thereof by causing the two liquids in trace amounts to come into contact with each other, or a mixer capable of mixing in short time. The mixer comprises a mixing chamber very low in profile for effecting mixing reaction, and micro-nozzles, provided at a high density in the upper face and lower face thereof, respectively. The mixer is a mixer wherein micro-nozzles are provided in the inner walls of a mixing chamber, respectively, so as to oppose each other, and two liquids are spurted from the micro-nozzles, respectively, thereby implementing mixing by taking advantage of a diffusion phenomenon. Since the two liquids in trace amounts are ejected from the micro-nozzles, respectively, in such a way as to oppose each other, the two liquids in trace amounts come into contact with each other, thereby enabling diffusion mixing in short time.

Abstract: A hydration apparatus for use with a hydration tank. The hydration apparatus disperses incoming gel into existing gel in the hydration tank to increase the hydration time of the incoming gel. The hydration apparatus includes flow conduits communicated with gel inlets in the hydration tank. The flow conduits redirect the flow of the incoming gel. The flow conduits preferably redirect the flow from a generally horizontal direction to generally vertically upwardly direction. The hydration apparatus has a plurality of deflectors positioned in the hydration tank. Flow exiting an end of the flow conduits is deflected by the deflectors and dispersed into existing gel in the hydration tank. The flow conduits are preferably perforated flow conduits so that a portion of incoming gel passes through openings in the sides of the flow conduits while a portion of the incoming gel passes through an exit of the flow conduits.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser includes a diluent jet directed at a wall of a mixing chamber thereof such that a swirling descending mass of diluent is formed. A concentrate dispensing outlet ejects concentrate into the swirling mass of diluent causing turbulent mixing of the diluent and the concentrate to create a frothed or whipped beverage. Instead of creating a swirling mass of diluent, the diluent jet and concentrate dispensing outlet may be oriented substantially directly at one another such that the streams of concentrate and diluent collide causing a turbulent mixing of the diluent and the concentrate.

Abstract: A method for continuously preparing a medium formulation mixes a diluent with a plurality of chemically incompatible concentrate solutions in such a manner that none of the ingredients of the concentrate solutions chemically react in an adverse manner. The method utilizes a static mixing chamber to add the concentrate solutions to the diluent stream sufficiently in advance of one another so that adverse chemical reactions do not occur. The method also adjusts a pH level of the diluent prior to adding any of the concentrate solutions to the diluent.

Abstract: A novel mixing apparatus and process for mixing at least two fluids are disclosed. Excellent mixing and superior pressure drop characteristics are achieved in a device comprising at least two supply channels to feed a mixing chamber and create a vortex. The alignment of the supply channels is such that fluids are introduced into the chamber at both tangential and radial directions. In the case of gas/liquid mixing, particularly advantageous is the injection of the liquid stream tangentially and the gas stream radially. When two liquid streams are mixed, it is desirable to distribute them into fine, interdigitated channels prior to introduction into a supply channel and finally into the chamber. The mixed stream is generally withdrawn from the center of the swirling vortex and in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the vortex.

Abstract: A sparging device (10) includes a number of sparger or screen passages (14) each extending from a respective passage inlet to a respective passage outlet. The sparging device (10) further includes a fluid chamber (25) that defines a chamber area through which at least one of the sparger passages (14) extends. A fluid communication device (34) is associated with each sparger passage (14) extending through the fluid chamber (25) to enable fluid communication between the fluid chamber and the interior of the respective sparger passage. The sparging device (10) allows a processing fluid in the fluid chamber (25) to be added to a foodstuff pumped through the sparger passages (14). Multiple fluid chambers may be formed in the sparging device to facilitate the addition of multiple processing fluids to a foodstuff.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a fluid with a flowing material is disclosed including a chamber having an inlet for connection to a circular inlet conduit and an outlet for connection to a circular outlet conduit, and a supply conduit for supplying the fluid to the chamber, the inlet having a cross-section which is substantially circular at one end and which continuously transforms to a substantially elongated cross-section at the other end, and the outlet has a cross-section which is substantially circular at one end and which continuously transforms to a substantially elongated cross-section at the other end, and the supply conduit is located between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A chemical supply system includes at least two supply pipes for supplying at least two different chemicals; a mixing unit connected to the supply pipes for mixing at least two different chemicals to form a chemical mixture, an exhausting unit for exhausing the chemical mixture externally; and a filtering unit provided between the mixing unit and the exhausting unit for filtering the chemical mixture to prevent chemical particles having more than a predetermined size from being exhausted.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus that includes a drop on demand fluid dispenser for adding an additive fluid to a receiver liquid to produce a composite liquid that includes the receiver liquid and the additive fluid.

Abstract: A hydration apparatus for use with a hydration tank. The hydration apparatus disperses incoming gel into existing gel in the hydration tank to increase the hydration time of the incoming gel. The hydration apparatus includes flow conduits communicated with gel inlets in the hydration tank. The flow conduits redirect the flow of the incoming gel. The flow conduits preferably redirect the flow from a generally horizontal direction to generally vertically upwardly direction. The hydration apparatus has a plurality of deflectors positioned in the hydration tank. Flow exiting an end of the flow conduits is deflected by the deflectors and dispersed into existing gel in the hydration tank. The flow conduits are preferably perforated flow conduits so that a portion of incoming gel passes through openings in the sides of the flow conduits while a portion of the incoming gel passes through an exit of the flow conduits.

Abstract: A mixing valve comprises a valve body and a plurality of helical members. An agitation chamber is formed in the valve body. The plurality of helical members are disposed substantially in parallel in the valve body and have a number corresponding to a number of fluid supply ports. The plurality of helical members have helical passages on their outer circumferential surfaces and have ends facing the agitation chamber. Fluids are supplied from the fluid supply ports and pass through the helical passages.

Abstract: A invention chemicals in the form of gases, into a fluid stream. The mixing system withdraws a side stream of fluid from a main fluid stream. The side stream is pressurized and directed through a convergent nozzle, producing a high-velocity jet. This jet is directed onto a deflector plate located on the center line of the conduit that carries the main fluid stream and is thereby diverted in the radial directions normal to the flow direction of the main fluid stream. The deflector is provided with an gas diffudion port for injecting the chemicals that are to be mixed into the main stream. The even distribution of the injected chemicals is ensured by the hydrodynamic forces generated by the flow of the high-velocity jet over the deflector.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus having a channel for guiding an input gas stream, a drop on demand fluid drop emitting apparatus for emitting drops of a fluid into the input gas stream to produce a gas mixture that contains the fluids drops, and a pressure control system for controlling a pressure of the fluid in the drop on demand fluid drop emitting apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fluids includes a vortex nozzle assembly having improved vortex nozzles. The overall system and system layout, which includes an elbow design, are improved as well as vortex system methods. The vortex nozzle assembly includes an access port and methods for measuring physical properties at the fluid flows. A frame assembly provides support for the vortex system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for processing product components. The methods include directing a first jet of fluid along a first path and directing a second jet of fluid along a second path to cause interaction between the jets that forms a stream oriented essentially opposite to one of the jet paths.

Abstract: A novel mixing apparatus and process for mixing at least two fluids are disclosed. Excellent mixing and superior pressure drop characteristics are achieved in a device comprising at least two supply channels to feed a mixing chamber and create a vortex. The alignment of the supply channels is such that fluids are introduced into the chamber at both tangential and radial directions. In the case of gas/liquid mixing, particularly advantageous is the injection of the liquid stream tangentially and the gas stream radially. When two liquid streams are mixed, it is desirable to distribute them into fine, interdigitated channels prior to introduction into a supply channel and finally into the chamber. The mixed stream is generally withdrawn from the center of the swirling vortex and in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the vortex.

Abstract: In a process for mixing reactant streams (1, 2; 5) to produce a product stream (10) using a mixing configuration (15, 16) having a number of reactant feed points, an excess component stream of one reactant is divided into two reactant substreams (1, 2) and fed into the suction region (3, 4) of a mixing space (12) at right angles to a deficient component (5) entering the mixing space (12).

Abstract: A hydration apparatus for use with a hydration tank. The hydration apparatus disperses incoming gel into existing gel in the hydration tank to increase the hydration time of the incoming gel. The hydration apparatus includes flow conduits communicated with gel inlets in the hydration tank. The flow conduits redirect the flow of the incoming gel. The flow conduits preferably redirect the flow from a generally horizontal direction to generally vertically upwardly direction. The hydration apparatus has a plurality of deflectors positioned in the hydration tank. Flow exiting an end of the flow conduits is deflected by the deflectors and dispersed into existing gel in the hydration tank. The flow conduits are preferably perforated flow conduits so that a portion of incoming gel passes through openings in the sides of the flow conduits while a portion of the incoming gel passes through an exit of the flow conduits.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for feeding a chemical into a liquid flow are especially suited for use with a headbox of a paper machine, particularly for feeding a retention aid into a fiber suspension flow going to the headbox so that in a mixing apparatus feed liquid is added into the retention chemical solution, prior to introducing the solution into the fiber suspension flow guided to the paper machine. The feed liquid is preferably a circulation water from the paper mill, or another non-clean liquid from a paper mill.

Abstract: A novel mixing apparatus and process for mixing at least two fluids are disclosed. Excellent mixing and superior pressure drop characteristics are achieved in a device comprising at least two supply channels to feed a mixing chamber and create a vortex. The alignment of the supply channels is such that fluids are introduced into the chamber at both tangential and radial directions. In the case of gas/liquid mixing, particularly advantageous is the injection of the liquid stream tangentially and the gas stream radially. When two liquid streams are mixed, it is desirable to distribute them into fine, interdigitated channels prior to introduction into a supply channel and finally into the chamber. The mixed stream is generally withdrawn from the center of the swirling vortex and in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the vortex.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently and rapidly mixing liquids in a swirling flow micro system is disclosed. The micro mixer disclosed is a passive mixer of planar structure for simpler configuration and fabrication. The streams injected tangentially into the mixing chamber produce circular multi-lamination for effective mixing of the injected streams. The injection velocity and position can be altered by adjusting the contour and exit area of the nozzles. The planar mixer can be fabricated by the normal photolithography process in conjunction with anodic bonding. More economically the layered structures of the mixer can also be fabricated in thin plastic sheets using stamping, embossing or other thermal deformation techniques. The different layers are thermally bonded for mass production.

Abstract: A device and process for aerating dispersions, particularly for flotation of pulp suspensions, in a de-inking process where the pulp suspension containing dirt particles is sprayed into a tank together with air. The air is injected at a minimum of two successive points and mixed with the suspension.

Abstract: A device for electrohydrodynamically (EHD) mixing fluids includes a mixing channel, the mixing channel having at least one supply channel fluidicly connected thereto for transport of fluid into the mixing channel. At least two electrodes are provided, at least one of the electrodes for charging at least a portion of the fluid in the mixing channel. The electrodes impose an electric field in the mixing channel to induce EHD mixing of the fluid in the mixing channel. A method for EHD mixing of fluids applies an electric field to a mixing channel to induce EHD mixing.

Abstract: A hydrodynamical dispersive flash mixing system with six pressured water jets and one nozzle for the injection of aluminum sulfate solution. The flash mixer, conceptually original, is highly recommended for medium, large, and extra large diameters of influent pipeline. The flash mixer introduced is very effective, flexible, reliable and cost savings. The flash mixer obtains an optimal coagulation, avoids clogging of pipes and nozzles with aluminum hydroxide scale, avoids the effects of water temperature, and controls the changes of flow capacity and coagulant dose. The hydrodynamical dispersive flash mixer with pressured water jets can be installed inside or outside the influent pipeline. One option is described for the installation of flash mixer inside the pipeline and three options for installing it outside the influent pipeline. Also, four alternatives are presented for the connection of the flash mixing system with the liquid chemical feed system.

Abstract: A mixing valve comprises a valve body and a plurality of helical members. An agitation chamber is formed in the valve body. The plurality of helical members are disposed substantially in parallel in the valve body and have a number corresponding to a number of fluid supply ports. The plurality of helical members have helical passages on their outer circumferential surfaces and have ends facing the agitation chamber. Fluids are supplied from the fluid supply ports and pass through the helical passages.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing at least two reactants is taught wherein a first reactant is delivered to a reaction zone through a first annular flow path and a second reactant is delivered to the reaction zone through a second annular flow path. The first and second annular flow paths are concentric with one another and the two reactants intermix with one another in the reaction zone. There is a rotating disc having a surface, defining one boundary of the reaction zone. The flow of the first and second reactants across the rotating disc and through the reaction zone is generally radial and has a residence time in the reaction zone of not more than about 100 msec, and preferably not more than about 50 msec. The reaction zone resides in a main reactor vessel and there is a driven agitator residing in the main reactor vessel to stir the contents thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing a dry chemical contained within a container. A probe is utilized to puncture an opening in the container and thereafter the probe is extended through the opening. A mixture or liquid is directed to and through the probe and, as the liquid or mixture exits the probe, the dry chemical is dissolved and mixed with the liquid or mixture. Thereafter, the resulting mixture gravitates downwardly through the opening in the container to an underlying tank. Associated with the tank is a concentration controller that is operatively connected to a pump that pumps the mixture from the tank to and through the probe. Effectively, the concentration controller periodically activates the pump so as to maintain the concentration level of the mixture in the tank within a pre-selected range.

Abstract: An assembly for mixing a polymer with water and activating the polymer includes a water/polymer mixing chamber immediately preceding a high shear nozzle formed by a spring loaded plug seated against an outlet orifice of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A novel electrokinetic instability (EKI) micromixer and method takes advantage of the EKI to effect active rapid stirring of confluent microstreams of biomolecules without moving parts or complex microfabrication processes. The EKI is induced using an alternating current (A/C) electric field. Within seconds, the randomly fluctuating, three-dimensional velocity field created by the EKI rapidly and effectively stirs an initially heterogeneous solution and generates a homogeneous solution that is useful in a variety of biochemical and bioanalytical systems. Microfabricated on a glass substrate, the inventive EKI micromixer can be easily and advantageously integrated in molecular diagnostics apparatuses and systems, such as a chip-based “Lab-on-a-Chip” microfluidic device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for processing product components. The methods include directing a first jet of fluid along a first path and directing a second jet of fluid along a second path to cause interaction between the jets that forms a stream oriented essentially opposite to one of the jet paths.