Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to improved microfluidic devices, systems and methods of using same, which incorporate channel profiles that impart significant benefits over previously described systems. In particular, the presently described devices and systems employ channels having, at least in part, depths that are varied over those which have been previously described. These varied channel depths provide numerous beneficial and unexpected results.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for mixing a film of fluid, particularly a film of chemical, biochemical, or biological fluids undergoing a reaction. The apparatus comprises a means for nucleating a bubble using a discrete heat source, such as a resistor, and moving the bubble in the fluid by creating a temperature gradient, thereby mixing the fluid.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a container which essentially has the shape of a body of revolution and comprises two half-shells detachable from one another and having a vertical axis. The container preferably has the shape of a sphere with a material inlet arranged in the upper half-shell and a material outlet arranged in the bottom of the lower half-shell. Also arranged in the container is a stirrer which is rotatable about an axis inclined not more than 20° and which is connected to a drive device arranged on the upper half-shell and picks up and constantly circulates the entire material during operation of the apparatus. The apparatus is suitable as a dryer, mixer and, with introduction of a suitable liquid, also as a granulator and can be used not only for chemical synthesis but also as a reactor, for example in the pharmaceutical manufacturing stage, in combined applications.

Abstract: A laminated microchannel device is described in which there is a unit operation process layer that has longitudinal channel. The longitudinal channel is cut completely through the layer in which the unit process operation resides. Both the device structure and method of making the device provide significant advantages in terms of simplicity and efficiency. A static mixing unit that can be incorporated in the laminated microchannel device is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for blending particulate solids or liquids includes a blending vessel having a racetrack-shaped cross section at each elevation above its lower end. The racetrack-shaped cross section consists of two spaced opposed semicircles having ends that are joined by two spaced parallel line segments. Several embodiments of the apparatus are described; they all employ the racetrack-shaped blending vessel, which is highly effective in promoting mixing. In one embodiment the racetrack-shaped blending vessel is rotated about a horizontal axis so that the material passes through the vessel on each revolution. In another embodiment, a number of racetrack-shaped blending vessels are connected in a vertical sequence so that the material must pass through the blending vessels in succession.

Abstract: A valve which has a structure with at least one opening and a member which has a fixed static charge and also has a first position exposing the opening and a second position sealing the opening. A method for making the valve includes providing a structure with at least one opening and providing a member having a fixed static charge where the member has a first position exposing the opening and a second position sealing the opening. An agitator includes a base with at least one trench, a structure with at least one opening, and a membrane with a fixed static charge. The structure is connected to the base over the trench with the opening in the structure extending through to the trench in the base. The membrane is connected to the base across at least a portion of the trench. A pump includes a base with at least one trench, a structure with at least two openings, a membrane with a fixed static charge, a first cantilever arm having a fixed static charge, and a second cantilever arm having a fixed static charge.

Abstract: An electroösmotic mixing device and a method for mixing one or more fluids for use in meso- or microfluidic device applications. The mixing device provides batch or continuous mixing of one or more fluids in meso- or microfluidic channels. An electric field is generated in the channel in substantial contact with chargeable surfaces therein. No alterations of the geometry of existing flow paths need be made, and the degree of mixing in the device can be controlled by the length of the electrodes, the flow rate past the electrodes, and the voltage applied to those electrodes. The degree of mixing is affected by choice of materials for the chargeable surface (in some cases by the selection of materials or coatings for channel walls) and the ionic strength of the fluids and the type and concentration of ions in the fluids. The ionic strength of fluids to be mixed is sufficiently low to allow electroosmotic flow.

Abstract: A multi-component, mixing, storage and dispensing package (10) has a housing 11, a displaceable cavity block (20) having at least one cavity (21) therein. A vent spike block (40) having at least one spike (42) held in an opposing relation to at least one cavity (21) is provided within the housing (11). When cavity block (21) is caused to move toward the vent spike block (40) spike (42) is caused to enter a cavity (21). A vent (43) is in fluid communication through the spike (42) with a mix channel (51) and a mixing and dispensing tip (50).

Abstract: Apparatus for blending particulate solids or liquids includes a blending vessel having a racetrack-shaped cross section at each elevation above its lower end. The racetrack-shaped cross section consists of two spaced opposed semicircles having ends that are joined by two spaced parallel line segments. Several embodiments of the apparatus are described; they all employ the racetrack-shaped blending vessel, which is highly effective in promoting mixing. In one embodiment the racetrack-shaped blending vessel is rotated about a horizontal axis so that the material passes through the vessel on each revolution. In another embodiment, a number of racetrack-shaped blending vessels are connected in a vertical sequence so that the material must pass through the blending vessels in succession.

Abstract: A material blending tank 1 is formed in a pressure-resistant, and tightly closable vessel, in its inner cavity, into which predetermined quantities of starting materials are charged, followed by hermetically sealing the tank; a material adjusting tank 2 is formed in a large size, into which a predetermined quantity of solvent is filled so as to be able to pump out from its bottom part by means of a pump P; the pump P functioning to pressure-feeding the solvent pumped out of the material adjusting tank 2 into the inner cavity of the material blending tank 1 through its bottom side. In the course of the pressure-feeding of the solvent, when the air within the material blending tank 1 is compressed to a high pressure level, the operation of the pump P is stopped and the solvent which has been pressure-fed into the material blending tank 1 is subjected to reverse flow through the inner cavity of the pump P into the material adjusting tank 2 by the pressure of the air compressed in the material blending tank 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a mixer for mixing flows of a papermaking process. In the invention, a first flow is conveyed through a tube, and turbulence is generated in it by means of form parts located on the inner periphery of the tube. The mixing zone of the mixer comprises feed openings on the inner periphery of the tube for feeding a second flow from a feed channel outside the tube into the first flow, whereby the flows are mixed as a result of the turbulence generated by the form parts. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one form part comprises a feed opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. The invention particularly provides microsystem platforms for achieving efficient mixing of one or a plurality of fluids on the surface of the platform when fluid flow is motivated by centripetal force produce by rotation.

Abstract: Robust microfluidic mixing devices mix multiple fluid streams passively, without the use of moving parts. In one embodiment, these devices contain microfluidic channels that are formed in various layers of a three-dimensional structure. Mixing may be accomplished with various manipulations of fluid flow paths and/or contacts between fluid streams. In various embodiments, structures such as channel overlaps, slits, converging/diverging regions, turns, and/or apertures may be designed into a mixing device. Mixing devices may be rapidly constructed and prototyped using a stencil construction method in which channels are cut through the entire thickness of a material layer, although other construction methods including surface micromachining techniques may be used.

Abstract: Multilevel microfluidic structures and their use are provided for performing operations using electrokinetic or pneumatic force for moving sample components through and between levels. The devices have flow systems comprising microstructures including reservoirs, channels and vias, where each of the levels or lamina has a plurality of microstructures, and where the microstructures may communicate between levels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a starting material adjusting apparatus for preparing the starting materials in the form of slurry, wherein no use is made of an agitator which is expensive in its installation cost and troublesome in its cleaning, thereby making it possible to perfectly dissolve the starting materials into solvent, and to obtain homogeneous slurry as a whole, in a short period of time.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system and method for continuous laminar fluid mixing. An embodiment of the invention described in the specification includes a mixing channel, a first delivery channel that is connected to the mixing channel, and a second delivery channel that is connected to the mixing channel. A first pump mechanism produces pulses in the first delivery channel. A second pump mechanism produces pulses in the second delivery channel. The first pulsed fluid stream and the second pulsed fluid stream merge in the mixing channel to form a mixed fluid. The pulses in the fluids operate to distort the interface between the fluids to facilitate diffusion between the fluids.

Abstract: A chip feeder for feeding chips stored in bulk in a case thereof, one by one, from a chip-supply portion thereof, the chip feeder including a partition plate which parts an inner space of the case into a plurality of rooms, the partition plate having an opening which extends in a direction intersecting a horizontal plane and which communicates the respective rooms on both sides of the partition plate, with each other, a movable partition member which extends across the opening of the partition plate and which is movable relative to the opening in the direction intersecting the horizontal plane, and a movable-partition-member control device which controls the movable partition member so that a lower portion of the movable partition member sinks in an upper portion of a mass of the chips stored in bulk in the case and an upper portion of the movable partition member projects upward from the mass of the chips.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a kneader capable of improving both of its kneading and mixing functions, irrespective of a horizontal arrangement or a vertical arrangement, with a comparatively simple design not to degrade the workability thereof. To attain the object of the invention, a kneader adapted to knead an object material by passing it through a plurality of irregular passages (22, 23), each having a sectional shape varied, from an inlet port thereof toward an outlet port thereof, comprising a kneader body (20) having a material supply port (20a) at one end thereof, a material discharge port (20b) at the other end thereof and a plurality of irregular passages communicating with the supply port (20a) and the discharge port (20b), and supply means (10) for supplying the object material to the kneader body. The sectional shape of each of the irregular passages (22, 23) of the kneader body (20) is varied progressively from an inlet port (22a) toward an outlet port (22b).

Abstract: An order-changing microfluid mixer comprises an extended microfluidic channel and a chamber structure that provides order-changing functions to microfluid when the microfluid passes through the chanter structure. The order-changing chamber has two openings connected to said microfluidic channel and divides said microfluidic channel into two sections. When a microfluid is driven from one section of the microfluidic channel to the other, the microfluid enters into the order-changing chamber and flows along a first side of the order-changing chamber, whereby portions of the microfluid positioned adjacent to the second side of the order-changing chamber remain unmoved.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method for improved diffusion between at least two parallel-flowing fluids. A structure for a microfluidic device includes a first inlet channel, a second inlet channel, and at least one outlet channel connected to the first and second inlet channels. A measure of the first inlet channel is smaller than a measure of the second inlet channel, directing a particular cross-sectional flow in the outlet channel that avoids a “butterfly effect” of adverse diffusion. In an outlet channel having at least two fluidic inlets, the chemical or physical properties of parallel-flowing fluids are controlled for diffusion, concentration, extraction or detection of a substance among the fluids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing superabsorbent foam wherein the method includes forming a reaction mixture comprising a superabsorbent foam forming composition, stirring, and applying mechanical waves to form a superabsorbent foam.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are provided for handling fluids in numerous industrial applications. Materials addition devices, including venturi hoppers, and other eductor assemblies, are joined in compact, horizontal, and/or vertical configurations, with one or more shearing devices, including, high and low velocity shearing devices individually, as well as, a combination high and low velocity shearing device. Pipe and valve configuration allow several alternate paths through or around such assemblies and devices, in alternate directions, including the option to backflow through the high velocity shearing device for the removal of obstructions. In the high velocity shearing devices provided, a special jet insert is provided, along with jet insert installation related apparatus, by which the jet insert is easily retained in, and removed from, the piping in the high velocity shearing device.

Abstract: A fluid mixer includes an elongate mixing chamber having an inlet system at one end for admission of liquid and gas to be intimately mixed by passage through the chamber and an outlet for the mixture at the opposite end, wherein opposed longitudinal sides of the chamber are each defined by a surface of scallop shape having peaks and troughs, with the peaks of the two surfaces being relatively offset so as to cause the liquid and gas entering the chamber to flow along a generally sinuous path through the chamber to create a turbulent flow which promotes intimate mixing. Advantageously a UV source extends within the chamber to sterilize the liquid flowing through the chamber.

Abstract: A micro-mixer is disclosed having at least one mixing point which is connected to an inlet channel arrangement having at least two inlet channels and to an outlet channel arrangement, and a mixing method is disclosed for at least two fluids which are supplied from different directions. With this mixer and method it is intended to achieve a rapid and predeterminable mixing of the fluids. For that purpose, a separating element which extends into a region of the mixing point in which the inlet channels run parallel to one another is provided. By this means the fluids can be kept separate from one another until their flow speeds virtually coincide in respect of value and direction. Only then are they brought into contact with one another.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems and methods of using same which incorporate channels where some portion or all of the channels have aspect ratios less than 1. Devices with such channel dimensions are optionally configured to provide uniform flow rates through the channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mixing and/or thermal homogenization of at least one free-flowing fluid of plastic and/or natural substances, in which the fluid is distributed into a layer (34), the width (36) of which transversely to the conveyance direction (35) of the fluid is greater by a multiple than its thickness (33), and individual partial areas lying in the conveyance direction (35) of the fluid adjacent to one another, in cross-sectional planes in succession in the conveyance direction (35) and aligned vertically to the conveyance direction (35), have a different cross-sectional surface. Respective partial areas extending parallel in the conveyance direction (35) and directly adjacent to one another of the cohesive layer (35) are differently spatially deformed and a cross-sectional surface in the partial area is greater than in relation to a greater flow path length between two cross-sectional planes with a rectilinear connection in the conveyance direction (35).

Abstract: An assembly providing a removable tapered insert for a particulate material container. A plurality of annularly spaced flat brackets are supported on and project inwardly of the container. The insert has tapered upper edge projections and is rotatable for vertical engagement with projections formed on the inner edges of the brackets. A cylindrical support ring may be provided to rest on notches formed on the inner edges of the brackets, and when fully assembled the insert may rest on the support ring for full annular support by the ring. Locking washers may be provided to prevent disengagement of the projections on the insert and brackets.

Abstract: A magnetic processing treatment facility is disclosed for subjecting a fluid flow to magnetic energy. The facility is integrated into agricultural spray apparatus and is effective in increasing the water solubility of chemical agents such as herbicides, pesticides, fertilizer, nutrient liquids and other liquids for agricultural use that are dispersed as a spray solution over an application area. The magnetically treated chemical solution also exhibits enhanced activity in terms of crop growth and pesticide and weed control. The treatment facility utilizes a magnetic core device having a resident permanent magnet for generating a magnetic field that is applied to a fluid volume passing through the device.

Abstract: A fluid mixing apparatus for mixing a first fluid with a second fluid and to prevent acoustic hammer effects, utilizing a condensing tube array. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a direct steam injection process heater is provided, having a first body for introducing a first fluid, generally a liquid or slurry, a second body for introducing a second fluid, generally steam, an orifice plate disposed between the two bodies, and a valve member for movement to and away from the orifice plate. The orifice plate has a plurality of frusto-conical holes which are engaged preferably by an equal number of complementary-configured, conically-tipped pins mounted onto the valve member. An actuator moves the valve member relative to the orifice plate such that the pins penetrate and partially or wholly obscure the holes, thus regulating the flow of the second fluid through the holes.

Abstract: An in-situ CMP slurry mixing apparatus. The apparatus comprises a tubular main body and a plurality of tapered plugs. The tubular main body further comprises a plurality of first tubes with a first diameter, a plurality of second tubes with a second diameter. Each tapered plug is placed in each second tube, the tips of each tapered plug are pointed in the same direction, and the tips are each oriented opposite to a flowing direction of a CMP slurry. In addition, the second diameter is larger than the first diameter, and a diameter of the base of each tapered plug is larger than the first diameter but is smaller than the second diameter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymer feed system and a method of using the same wherein clogging of the polymer input line is avoided by the use of air to purge the system of any unwanted polymer or electrolyte. The purging avoids the contact of the water with the polymer and the build-up of unwanted activated polymer and clogging in the supply and in the subsequent conduits.

Abstract: The process is implemented in a plant which comprises a homogenising apparatus (1) consisting of a first vertical container (10) having axial stirring devices (11) and peripheral stirring devices (12) with independently actuated blades (15), and grinding apparatus (3) comprised of an external static cylindrical body (21) with centripetally projecting stubs (24) and wherein is housed an internal rotary cylindrical body (25) provided with centrifugally projecting stubs (24); a continuous mixter (4) of which the internal surface (28) has crossing furrows (29) and wherein is housed a cylindrical body (34) of which the external surface (30) has second furrows which also cross each other, so that all the furrows form conduits which initiate in an extreme chamber (31) and which terminate in an extreme chamber (32) for the outflow of fluids resulting from produced mixtures; and a nozzle (5) for supplying the fine fluid paste, said nozzle being comprised of a main tubular body (33) having on the one hand an extreme an

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to improved microfluidic devices, systems and methods of using same, which incorporate channel profiles that impart significant benefits over previously described systems. In particular, the presently described devices and systems employ channels having, at least in part, depths that are varied over those which have been previously described. These varied channel depths provide numerous beneficial and unexpected results.

Abstract: A device for fining bubbles of gas contained in liquid includes at least two flow channel members confronting each other to form a flow channel therebetween. An inlet and an outlet are provided on one side and the other side of the flow channel members. A recess surface including a first recess and a second recess is formed on at least one of confronting surfaces of the flow channel members. The first recess and the second recess extend from the inlet to the outlet, respectively, and intersect each other at plural positions where the flow of the liquid premixed with gas in the first recess collides with that in the second recess.

Abstract: A biohazardous liquid medical waste collection and treatment system provides on-site collection and treatment of surgical fluids. The system is mobile, and includes an upper unit and one or more lower units that are detachable from the upper unit. The upper unit includes a liquid disinfectant reservoir, liquid pump valves, and an electronic control unit which controls the operation of the pump valves. A disposable suction canister is mounted to the upper unit and collects liquid medical waste aspirated from a patient. A disposable tube set, including a motionless mixer, is connected to the disposable suction canister and the liquid disinfectant reservoir. Electronically controlled pumps (preferably peristaltic pumps) pump liquid waste from the suction canister along with the metered amount of liquid disinfectant from the liquid disinfectant reservoir through the motionless mixer and into a temporary storage receptacle on the lower unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a superabsorbent foam is provided. The method includes forming a reaction mixture comprising at least one compound capable of forming a superabsorbent foam, stirring the reaction mixture, applying mechanical waves to the reaction mixture and repeating the stirring and applying a selected number of times thereby forming the superabsorbent foam.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for sterilization and/or heat treatment of products in particle form, e.g. bone meal, and comprising an upright-standing pressure vessel (2) with elevator arrangement (6) which lifts the meal from the bottom area (5) to the top area (4), and lets it fall back to the bottom area for re-lifting.The processing is effected by direct steam supply (16), whereby the meal is heated to sterilization temperature.After the treatment or the sterilization, the vessel is emptied by the opening of a bottom valve (10). During the whole of the process, i.e. during filling, sterilization and emptying, the elevator arrangement (6) is in operation.The elevator arrangement is, for example, a helical vibration elevator firmly built into the vessel and with external vibration motors (8), so that the whole of the vessel is made to vibrate.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to improved microfluidic devices, systems and methods of using same, which incorporate channel profiles that impart significant benefits over previously described systems. In particular, the presently described devices and systems employ channels having, at least in part, depths that are varied over those which have been previously described. These varied channel depths provide numerous beneficial and unexpected results.

Abstract: An apparatus for uniformly mixing two or more liquids. The apparatus includes a water inlet having a flow orifice for controlling flow rate and pattern. A second fluid to be mixed with the water is injected downstream of the water orifice an opposite direction resulting in a high energy contact to insure uniform wetting/mixing of the fluids. The mixture is directed through a chamber having a spacial aspect to insure uniform mixture before placement into a secondary chamber having multiple distribution points to assist in diluting the mixture into an additional fluid before directing the fluid to its point of use.

Abstract: A stationary hydraulic jump is utilized in a multi-phase mixing system to mix components present in a plurality of separate phases. The flow rate and film height of a liquid phase in a first pipe section is metered and combined with a flow rate metered gas phase to form a stationary hydraulic jump in a second pipe section. The jump position is monitored and maintained stationary. A mixed fluid flows from the jump. A variety of solid, liquid, and gaseous components may be mixed in the hydraulic jump through appropriate selection of the liquid and gas phase components.

Abstract: Cellulose pulp is discharged from the dilution zone of a high consistency pulp tower at a substantially even volume flow and a substantially steady pulp consistency by mounting a particular parting member within a bottom portion of the tower. The parting member is constructed so as to define a first cross-sectional area between it and the tower side wall which is smaller than a second cross-sectional area below the parting member, in the dilution zone. The parting member may comprise a cone, cone frustum, pyramid, or pyramid frustum mounted substantially concentrically with the tower axis. The first cross-sectional area is at most 95% of a second cross-sectional flow area in the dilution zone, and typically about 90% or less. A ring may extend inwardly from the side wall at the parting member and define the first cross-sectional flow area with the parting member. Alternatively the parting member may itself comprise a ring having a substantially triangular (e.g.

Abstract: A pressure-differential liquid stirrer which includes a liquid tank which holds the liquid to be stirred, the liquid tank having a top opening, a bottom wall, and a sealing cover covered on the top opening, the sealing cover having a hole; a single-outlet tube vertically disposed inside the liquid tank, having a bottom opening facing the bottom wall of the liquid tank and spaced from it by a gap for permitting the liquid to flow between the liquid tank and the single-outlet tube; an air pipe having one end inserted through the hole of the sealing cover into the inside of the liquid tank, and an opposite end coupled to an air control device; and an air control device coupled to the air pipe and controlled to force compressed air into the liquid tank and to release air out of the liquid tank so as to force the liquid to be stirred.

Abstract: A mixing element comprises a cylindrical passage pipe through which a liquid flows, and a plurality of blade bodies disposed inside the passage pipe. The blade bodies forms inside the passage pipe a plurality of fluid passages extending spirally and in a longitudinal direction of the passage pipe. And, a gap between the blade bodies forms an opening for communicating the fluid passages to each other. These spiral blade bodies are produced independently to the passage pipe, after that, they are joined to an inner face of the passage pipe. Thus produced fluid fixer has an extremely high mixing-agitating effect.

Abstract: In a mechanical cell for blending elastomer particles and solution into uniform mixtures, a solid core with an entrance surface, an exit surface spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the entrance surface, and a plurality of minute core passageways therebetween for flow of an elastomer-containing hydrocarbon solution from the entrance surface to the exit surface, the passageways have a characteristic dimension of predetermined size to reduce globules of elastomer to small particles distributed evenly in liquid hydrocarbon solution without plugging the passageways. Typically the passageways have a characteristic dimension of predetermined size to reduce globules of elastomer selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene, a nitrile rubber, and a copolymer of a 1,4-conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic monomer, to small particles distributed evenly in liquid hydrocarbon solution comprising a vinyl aromatic monomer.

Abstract: A gas conditioning vessel for bulk solids undergoing mass flow. The gas is introduced into the solids through an open bottom distributor forming a plenum. The plenum opens into the vessel at its bottom, the injection sites being bounded by vertical walls of the distributor. The vertical configuration optimizes solids pressure at these sites to suppress localized fluidization and flow instability due to stress conditions.

Abstract: A container assembly includes an outer container and at least one inner container whose internal volume has the same ratio to the remaining internal volume of the outer container as the desired ratio of liquids to be mixed. An orifice in the inner container establishes communication between the lower end portions of the two containers so that a previously mixed liquid mixture of a predetermined ratio resides at the same level in both containers. The container assembly may be filled with additional mixture of the same ratio by filling the inner container with one liquid and by flushing that liquid from the inner container and into the outer container with a second liquid until the outer container is full.

Abstract: A vertical auger bottom-fill bag filling machine including a conical auger bowl depending from a cylindrical hopper on rocker arms, with the auger bowl being connected to the cylindrical hopper and a fill tube by flexible gaskets. A vertical auger shaft extends through the cylindrical hopper, auger bowl, and fill tube, with a section of flighting disposed within the auger bowl and fill tube to compress, de-aerate, and dispense the product. An agitator is mounted on the bottom of an agitator drive shaft which circumscribes the auger shaft and rotates independent thereof, the agitator having paddles which move the product and press the product downwardly in the auger bowl. An inverted venting cone is disposed within the auger bowl, with a vent tube extending upwardly and terminating proximate to the top of the cylindrical hopper.

Abstract: A primary-secondary circuit hydraulic interface is disclosed for use in chilled water and hot water systems in which a suction manifold header is used to tie in the secondary return water, the primary supply water, and the suction side of the primary and secondary pumps. The hydraulic interface is installed within the suction manifold at the location where the secondary return water enters the suction manifold. The hydraulic interface allows the bypass water (which is excess primary supply water) and the secondary return water to easily enter the hydraulic interface into a downstream portion of the manifold through large openings and forces the two streams of water to collide together, thereby ensuring a turbulent mixing to take place. The hydraulic interface forces the mixed water to exit the hydraulic interface through much smaller openings into a downstream portion of the manifold, thereby ensuring that the bypass water and secondary return water are thoroughly blended together as they exit.

Abstract: An improved solid particulate matter blender which is essentially a cylindrical vessel with a hopper bottom and a central lift pipe through which pressurized gas is pumped in order to lift material from the bottom to the top for remixing. An internal cone structure mounted inside the conical bottom hopper improves the mixing action within the blender. A cylindrical extension is attached to the bottom of the internal cone structure and extends toward the bottom of the vessel. Material originating at various heights thus reaches the bottom and is lifted to the top together to accomplish the mixing action.

Abstract: A blending silo of the type having a silo vessel defining a center axis and provided with a conical bottom ending in a vessel outlet, includes a funnel with its longitudinal axis coinciding with the center axis of the silo vessel and with its interior space being subdivided by a plurality of sheet segments in several compartments which are successively arranged in circumferential direction such that neighboring compartments have differently sized inlet cross sections and/or outlet cross sections to attain a superior homogenizing of bulk material.