Nonmechanical shearing mixer

Abstract

A nonmechanical shearing mixer uses fluid velocity to create sufficient turbulence to completely mix two fluid components. Mixing is accomplished in an annular mixing chamber defined by inner and outer cylindrical walls. A first fluid is forced under pressure outwardly through openings in the inner cylindrical wall, the openings being oriented and arranged to cause the first fluid passing therethrough to undergo a generally rotational fluid flow pattern in the annular mixing chamber. A second fluid entering the annular mixing chamber through openings in the outer cylindrical wall is similarly caused to undergo a generally rotational fluid flow pattern but in the opposite direction of the rotational fluid flow pattern of the first fluid. The two opposing rotational fluid flow patterns thus "clash" in the annular mixing chamber and create a large amount of turbulence and shearing action resulting in effective and complete mixing of the two fluids. The mixed fluid components are continuously discharged from the annular mixing chamber.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.