The present disclosure relates generally to fluid mixing devices, and more specifically, but no by limitation, to various devices that provide for efficient mixing of fluids using both laminar and turbulent flow through microstructure panels.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a device comprising: a first panel; a first plurality of raised features extending from a first surface of the first panel, the first plurality of raised features being spaced apart from one another and disposed at an end of one edge of the first panel to form first inlets; a second plurality of raised features extending from the first surface of the first panel, the second plurality of raised features being spaced apart from one another and disposed at an end of one edge of the first panel to form outlets; and a plurality of divider microstructures extending from the first surface of the first panel in line with and in between the first plurality of raised features and the second plurality of raised features, wherein at least a portion of adjacent divider microstructures are spaced apart to form feed pathways.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a device comprising: a housing sub-assembly comprising: a tubular portion having a lower sidewall comprising an outlet; a cover portion that mates with the tubular portion, the cover portion comprising a first inlet and a second inlet; and a mixing sub-assembly comprising a plurality of stacked mixing plates forming an outlet plenum, wherein the mixing sub-assembly is disposed in the tubular portion; and wherein when the cover portion is joined to the tubular portion, a plug of the cover portion seals the outlet plenum of the mixing sub-assembly and forms a first inlet plenum that is in fluid communication with both the first inlet and the second inlet.
The accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed disclosure, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.
The methods and systems disclosed herein have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
According to some embodiments, the present disclosure is generally directed to various panels that can be used to mix fluids using microstructures in varying arrangements. The types of fluids introduced into the device would determine whether a mixture or an emulsion is produced.
In some embodiments, as in
In one or more embodiments, the panel 102 comprises a plurality of divider microstructures, such as divider microstructure 116 that extend from the first surface 104 of the panel 102 in line with and in between the first plurality of raised features 110 and a second plurality of raised features (described in greater detail infra). These are also raised cubic features but could comprise any desired geometry.
In various embodiments, at least a portion of adjacent divider microstructures are spaced apart to form feed pathways or cross channels. For example, a feed pathway 119 is formed by the spacing of divider microstructure 116 and divider microstructure 118. A feed pathway 119 is created between the divider microstructure 116 and the raised feature 110 as well.
The raised features and divider microstructures on the panel 102 create pathways for fluid to flow across the first surface 104 of the panel 102. For example, a first pathway or plenum, such as first plenum 120 extends in line with each of the first inlets, such as inlet 112. Due to the spacing between divider microstructures, fluid entering the first inlets will enter divider microstructure pathways that extend between rows of divider microstructures. For example, the divider microstructures are arranged into rows. For example, divider microstructure row 122 and divider microstructure row 124 are spaced apart from one another to form a divider microstructure pathway 126. In operation, fluid entering the inlet 112 can flow across the outer perimeter of the divider microstructure row 122 through the first plenum 120. A portion of this fluid will migrate across the feed pathways and into the divider microstructure pathway resulting in divergent fluid flow.
The first plenums associated defined between the inlets and rows of divider microstructures provide a substantially consistent flow rate of fluid into the feed pathways for even distribution.
While discussed in greater detail below, the second surface 106 of the panel 102 comprises a plurality of second inlets, such as second inlet 128 that are disposed orthogonally to the first inlets. These pathways provide fluid flow across the panel in a direction that is orthogonal to pathways of fluid communication of the first inlets. In some embodiments, the second inlets are utilized to introduce a second fluid over the first surface 104 of the panel that is different from a first fluid provided through the first inlets. The first and second fluids will mix when passing across the divider microstructures and exit through outlets in the panel. The mixing is facilitated when the second fluid is delivered through feed apertures that extend from the back surface to the front surface, as will be discussed in greater detail below.
According to some embodiments, the divider microstructures of a row will start in proximity to a raised feature of one of the first inlets, but will diverge and align with a raised feature of one of the outlets on an opposing end of the panel, and specifically a raised feature of an outlet that is offset from the raised feature of the inlet. This provides for divider microstructure rows that form a zig-zag pattern across the first surface 104 of the panel 102. Thus, in some embodiments, the raised features that form the first inlets are offset from the raised features that define the outlets. As illustrated in
In some embodiments, as illustrated in
As best illustrated in the cross section of
In one embodiment, the continuous feed slots and divider microstructure feed slots function as a secondary plenum that delivers fluid at a constant pressure to each of the feed apertures.
In a general method of operation, a first fluid flows into the microstructure areas (e.g., divider microstructure rows) through the first inlets. Upper and lower boundaries of the first fluid flow into the cross flow channels (such as the feed pathways). Again, these cross flow channels are formed by the divider microstructures. Approximately half way along the length of the cross flow channels, feedthrough holes deliver a second fluid into the cross channels through the use of the continuous feed slots associated with the second inlets. When fluid one and two are immiscible, droplets of fluid develop where fluid exits the feedthrough holes (e.g., feed apertures). By engineering the flow rates and dimensions of the relevant elements of the two fluids, a size and volume fraction of the first and second fluids can be optimized for a particular application. The emulsification enters the emulsification outlet channels (e.g., outlets on opposite panel side from inlets) and eventually exits a side edge of the panel 102 at the emulsification outlets along the sides of the panel 102. When miscible fluids are delivered a mixture is created. To obtain this flow, a pressure of the fluid at the first inlets is ideally greater than a pressure at the panel outlets. Further, a pressure of second fluid needs to be greater than a pressure at the first inlets and less than the pressure of the panel outlets.
A top cover 310 (see
In general, the creation of enlarged feed apertures may be desired for some types of manufacturing processes where small feed apertures are difficult to create.
While two fluids have been disclosed as being mixable through the devices and apparatuses disclosed herein, it will be understood that when multiple panels are used, additional fluids can be mixed in at lower stages of a device that has multiple panels.
The above embodiments can be used for emulsification or mixing of two fluids with one another. In some embodiments, the emulsification can be created using both laminar and/or turbulent flow through the various panels.
In operation, a portion of the flow that traverses across an upper surface of panel section 704 will enter the feed apertures 710 and pass through to a second surface 722 of the panel 700. That is, the feed apertures provide a pathway for fluid to pass under the mixing dam 702, from panel section 704 to panel section 706. This portion of the fluid will then travel through the feed slots 718 on the second surface 722 of the panel 700. In one embodiment, the feed apertures 710 pass underneath the mixing dam 702.
A second portion of the fluid will pass through the mixing dam 702 and onto a first surface 730 of the panel section 706. In some embodiment, approximately half the fluid provided to the panel section 704 will pass through the mixing dam 702, while approximately half of the fluid will pass through the feed apertures 710.
The cover portion 808 is generally configured to mate with the tubular portion 806. The cover portion 808 comprises a body portion 818 that include a flange 820. The flange 820 mates with an upper surface of the tubular portion 806. The body portion 818 comprises a plug 822 surrounded concentrically by an annular spacing (referred to as a first inlet plenum 824) formed between an outer sidewall of the plug 822 and an inner sidewall 826 of the cover portion 808.
In various embodiments, the cover portion 808 comprises a first inlet 828 and a second inlet 830. When the cover portion 808 is joined to the tubular portion 806 as in
A first fluid introduced into the first inlet plenum 824 through the first inlet 828. A second fluid can be introduced into the second inlet plenum 834 through the second inlet 830. As noted above, the first and second fluids can be the same or different fluids. The fluid can be a liquid and/or a gas in some embodiments.
In some embodiments, the mixer sub-assembly 804804 comprises a plurality of mixing plates stacked together to form the output plenum 832. As noted above, the mixer sub-assembly 804 is positioned within the tubular portion 806 so as to form the second inlet plenum 834 between an outer periphery of the mixer sub-assembly 804 and an inner sidewall of the tubular portion.
An underside of the mixing plate 838 is illustrated in
In operation, and referring collectively to
With high flow rates the flow can become turbulent as the fluid exits the mixing channel into the outlet plenum. Turbulence at this point in the flow path increases an amount of mixing but it is less consistent (mixing consistency and not consistency of the fraction of the first and second fluids) from one mixing channel to another. In many mixing applications mixing consistency is not important. In these cases the device would more than likely be engineered with turbulent flow. Where consistent mixing is important one would engineer the system without turbulent flow. Stated otherwise, for low flow rates the entire flow path would behave in a laminar manner. Even with high flow rates most of the plenum slots and mixing channels will be laminar in nature. The area of separated flow is where turbulent conditions might first develop. Turbulence enhances mixing in some embodiments if immiscible fluids are used an emulsion would be created.
A second inlet aperture 926 extends through the mixing assembly and receives a fluid from the second inlet 908 (
An outlet aperture 928 extends through each of the mixing plates but does not extend through the input plate 922. In some embodiments, fluids entering the mixing plate 904 will mix when passed through the mixing channels of the mixing plate 904. Once mixed the mixed fluid will exit through the outlet aperture 928.
A fluid (which could comprise a second or different fluid) will flow into the plurality of mixing channels by entering through mixing channel inlets, such as mixing channel feed aperture 932. This fluid passes through from a backside of a mixing plate and into the mixing channel 930 via the mixing channel feed apertures 932. This fluid transfer is facilitated using a second mixing plate 940 (again, see
The first fluid enters the mixing channel inlets from underneath the mixing plate 904. A second fluid will also enter the mixing channel through the second inlet aperture 926. A boundary plenum 934 encircles the mixing channels and the second inlet aperture. The two fluids mix within the mixing channels. Each of the mixing channels converges at an output plenum 936 that funnels into the outlet 912 of the mixing assembly 902.
In operation, the second fluid is fed to the mixing channels from a second plenum created by the boundary plenum 934. The plenum feeds the mixing channels at near equal pressure, which yields generally equal flow at all of the mixing channels. The inlet apertures supply the first fluid to the mixing channels. At this junction the fluids mix. Depending on the fluids, additional mixing may occur in the mixing channels. The mixed fluid flow into the outlet plenum and out the outlet 912 of the mixing assembly 902. In some embodiments, spacers are placed between adjacent mixing plates to allow for fluid to flow between adjacent plates.
The mixing plate 940 is illustrated in
The mixing assemblies such as mixing assembly 902 can be utilized to mix immiscible fluids into an emulsification. The size of the cross, mixing and mixed fluid channels would affect the size of emulsification droplet. The mixing assemblies can be used to mix immiscible fluids into an emulsification. The size of the cross, mixing and mixed fluid channels would affect the size of emulsification droplet.
The mixing assemblies can be used to mix of fuels and air for an engine, food products, paint, adhesives, immiscible fluids, fluids, cosmetic fluids, fluids for chromatography and so forth.
In many mixing applications a chemical reaction(s) takes place. In many of these cases heat is either given off or absorbed as a result of the reaction(s). Because the mixing areas are small, heat transfer from the fluid to the surfaces of the mixing assembly can be accurately controlled by the flow rates and the material properties of the mixing assembly components. This is another advantage of the disclosed mixing systems herein.
Advantages of these mixing devices include, but are not limited to, including plenums that supply fluids at equal rates to all of the mixing areas. The mixing ratio of the input fluids is equal in some embodiments that results in even mixing throughout the entire output. The mixing area is supplied by two cross channels, and double mixing rates are provided when if only one side was supplied. The output plenum contributes to equal flow rates of the mixing areas and mixing channels. A radial orientation of the mixing areas enhances mixing and allows for stacked layers of mixing areas and related channels.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the present disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
While this technology is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the technology and is not intended to limit the technology to the embodiments illustrated.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the technology. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings with like reference characters. It will be further understood that several of the figures are merely schematic representations of the present disclosure. As such, some of the components may have been distorted from their actual scale for pictorial clarity.
The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular embodiments, procedures, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or “according to one embodiment” (or other phrases having similar import) at various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, depending on the context of discussion herein, a singular term may include its plural forms and a plural term may include its singular form. Similarly, a hyphenated term (e.g., “on-demand”) may be occasionally interchangeably used with its non-hyphenated version (e.g., “on demand”), a capitalized entry (e.g., “Software”) may be interchangeably used with its non-capitalized version (e.g., “software”), a plural term may be indicated with or without an apostrophe (e.g., PE's or PEs), and an italicized term (e.g., “”) may be interchangeably used with its non-italicized version (e.g., “N+1”). Such occasional interchangeable uses shall not be considered inconsistent with each other.
Also, some embodiments may be described in terms of “means for” performing a task or set of tasks. It will be understood that a “means for” may be expressed herein in terms of a structure, such as a processor, a memory, an I/O device such as a camera, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the “means for” may include an algorithm that is descriptive of a function or method step, while in yet other embodiments the “means for” is expressed in terms of a mathematical formula, prose, or as a flow chart or signal diagram.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
It is noted at the outset that the terms “coupled,” “connected”, “connecting,” “electrically connected,” etc., are used interchangeably herein to generally refer to the condition of being electrically/electronically connected. Similarly, a first entity is considered to be in “communication” with a second entity (or entities) when the first entity electrically sends and/or receives (whether through wireline or wireless means) information signals (whether containing data information or non-data/control information) to the second entity regardless of the type (analog or digital) of those signals. It is further noted that various figures (including component diagrams) shown and discussed herein are for illustrative purpose only, and are not drawn to scale.
While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the system are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the system, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps in a different order, and some processes or steps may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or sub-combinations. Each of these processes or steps may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or steps are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or steps may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times.
While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. The descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth herein. To the contrary, the present descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and otherwise appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.
This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application 62/497,752, filed on Dec. 1, 2016; and the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application 62/498,303, filed on Dec. 20, 2016; and the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application 62/602,363, filed on Apr. 20, 2017, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties including all references and appendices cited therein, for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62497752 | Dec 2016 | US | |
62498303 | Dec 2016 | US | |
62602363 | Apr 2017 | US |