Continuous high shear mixing process
OwnerWilliam J. LoPrestiinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A high shear mixer in a holding tank is used in a continuous flow process. Flow rate of material into and out of the holding tank establishes residence time in contact with shearing elements. A batch shear mixer is used in a tank that has continuous flow into the bottom and out of the top. A level controller controls a valve or a positive displacement pump at the inlet. The mixing chamber is sized for the maximum needed residence time, slowing the flow increases the residence time. In an open tank lower inlet pump and upper outlet pump are coordinated. Incoming flow rate matches outgoing flow for continuous processing.
Claims13
A continuous material treatment system comprising:
- a holding tank,
- a continuous and constant inflow line at the bottom of the holding tank,
- a positive displacement pump in the flow line,
- a level sensor in the tank and connected to the positive displacement pump to insure a constant continuous level and flow of the material in and through the tank,
- a continuous and constant outflow line at a top of the holding tank,
- a high shear mixer in the holding tank,
- a motor connected for driving the high speed mixer,
- the tank having sufficient volume for holding the material flowing through the holding tank for a sufficient time to provide constant and maximum residence time for required blending, particle reducing, homogenizing, emulsifying, disintegrating, dissolving, agglomerate dividing or dispersing materials in the treatment system;
- a shaft connected to the motor and to the high shear mixer,
- a shearhead having an end fixed to the shaft and having a cylinder with large holes, small holes or slots connected to the end of the shearhead that is fixed to the shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.