MIXING APPARATUS

• US 3,741,533 A
• Filed: 10/14/1971
• Issued: 06/26/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dowell Schlumberger Incorporated (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: Fred M. Winn Jr
• Inventors: Winn, Fred M. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Jenkins, Robert W.
• Application Number:
  US05/189,247
• Time in Patent Office: 621 Days
• Field of Search: 259/4,153,18,161,162,164,165,168,146,148,151,147
• US Class Current: 366/136
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 25/10 Mixing by creating a vortex flow, e.g. by tangential introduction of flow components
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 25/103 with additional mixing means other than vortex mixers, e.g. the vortex chamber being positioned in another mixing chamber
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 25/21 with submerged injectors, e.g. nozzles, for injecting high-pressure jets into a large volume or into mixing chambers
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 25/313 wherein additional components are introduced in the centre of the conduit

Abstract

This invention relates to apparatus for continuously mixing dry bulk material with a liquid to form a slurry. The apparatus provides for the dry material to be added to the liquid for initial wetting of the dry material. The wetted material is then directed against a baffle from which it is deflected into a reservoir. The slurry thus formed is circulated by a suitable pump from the reservoir through a system of piping back into a shroud enveloping the initial wetting device, and is discharged with a rotary motion back into the reservoir. Centrifugal force resulting from rotary motion of the slurry prevents material from splashing back into the dry material delivery tube. In the initial wetting stage of the system, the liquid is formed into a hollow cylindrical pattern within and more or less concentric with the circulating slurry which has also been shaped into a hollow cylindrical pattern, revolving helically as it exits into the reservoir. The dry material is introduced into the hollow center of the liquid cylinder, and therefore must pass through the liquid before exiting into the reservoir.

Claims

1. Slurry mixing apparatus comprising a liquid entry chamber having a top, a bottom, and a generally circular inner peripheral wall, liquid inlet means communicating with said wall, a particulated material inlet tube, said tube being smaller in diameter than the diameter of said liquid entry chamber and extending concentrically through the top and bottom and substantially below the bottom of said liquid entry chamber and sealed to said top, a liquid outlet tube, said liquid outlet tube surrounding and being spaced from said particulated material inlet tube and being sealed to the bottom of said liquid entry chamber, a recirculated slurry entry chamber having a top, a bottom and a generally circular inner peripheral wall, said particulated material inlet tube and liquid outlet tube extending through said recirculated slurry entry chamber, said liquid outlet tube being sealed to the top of said slurry entry chamber, means for introducing slurry through said wall of said slurry entry chamber, a recirculated slurry outlet tube, said recirculated slurry outlet tube surrounding and being spaced from said liquid outlet tube and being sealed to said bottom of said slurry entry chamber, said slurry outlet tube extending at least to the bottom of said liquid outlet tube and said particulated materials inlet tube, baffle means below said slurry outlet tube, a reservoir having walls extending above the bottom of said slurry outlet tube, and means for recirculating slurry from said reservoir to said means for introducing slurry.

2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said liquid inlet means is a tangentially disposed tube.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for introducing recirculated slurry is disposed generally tangentially with respect to the wall of said slurry entry chamber.

4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said particulated material inlet tube, said liquid outlet tube and said recirculated slurry outlet tube are coaxial with respect to each other.

5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said recirculated slurry outlet tube extends substantially below said liquid outlet tube and said particulated material inlet tube.

6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein means are provided for applying liquid under substantial pressure to said liquid inlet means.