Tube type vortex ring mixers
OwnerBrian Lattoinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus is disclosed for mixing or agitating fluids using vortex rings in which a tube of inside diameter d is inserted into the fluid with an open end in the fluid. Fluid is drawn into the tube, and a slug of fluid is propelled a distance L down and out of the tube to create a vortex ring at the exit of the tube for propagation through the fluid. The ratio of L/d is between 0.8 and 3.8. The propelling means preferably involves a pulser cylinder communicating with the tube and a piston positioned in the pulser cylinder for reciprocating motion towards and away from the fluid to be mixed or agitated, or a bellows serving a similar function. The propelling means provides a generally square wave pressure impulse to the fluid to eject it from the tube in the form of a vortex ring.
Claims18
Apparatus for mixing or agitating fluids, comprising:
- a tube of inside diameter d having an open end, the tube being adapted to be inserted into a fluid to be mixed with the open end in the fluid;
- means for inserting fluid into the tube;
- and means for propelling a slug of fluid out of said tube;
- the fluid being propelled a distance L along the tube;
- wherein the ratio of L/d is between 0.8 and 3.8,thereby creating a vortex ring at the open end of the tube for propagation through the fluid.
A method of mixing a fluid comprising:
- introducing a tube of inside diameter d into the fluid, said tube having an open end located in the fluid;
- inserting fluid into the tube;
- forcing the fluid to travel a distance L through said tube and out of said open end;
- wherein the ratio of L/d is between 0.8 and 3.8
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.