Apparatus and method for mixing particulate solids or gels in a liquid

An apparatus for dissolving a particulate solid or a gel in a liquid to form a solution of homogeneous concentration, said apparatus including

• (a) a vessel for containing the liquid or solution, said vessel having an upper cylindrical portion and a lower co-axial frustum portion having a large diameter end proximal to said cylindrical portion and an outlet coaxial with a small diameter end of said frustum portion;
• (b) a pump having a feed line coupled to a supply of liquid for dissolving said solid or gel, and a discharge line branching into a vessel line to divert a portion of said liquid to said vessel and a venturi line to direct a remaining portion of said liquid to a venturi having an upstream end in fluid communication with said venturi line and a downstream end in fluid communication with said outlet;
• (c) a plurality of inlets providing fluid communication between said vessel line and said vessel, with one inlet provided in said frustum portion and at least one inlet in said cylindrical portion;
• (d) a plurality of nozzles, one of each being provided at an end of each inlet inside said vessel, each nozzle being configured to direct the diverted portion of liquid to flow in a circular path substantially parallel to an inside surface of the vessel adjacent the inlet;
• and
• (e) an apparatus discharge line in fluid communication with said downstream end of said venturi and said outlet, the venturi creating a low pressure zone adjacent said outlet to suck liquid or solution from said vessel to flow through the apparatus discharge line, and which flow, together with the substantially parallel flow of the diverted portion of liquid, produces a vortex of liquid or solution within said vessel to dissolve said particulate solid or gel, and creates a centrifugal force that holds undissolved particulate solid or gel adjacent said inside surface of said vessel until dissolved.