Patent ID: 8641266
Filing Date: 2014-02-04
Classification: B01F

Abstract:
1. A horizontal flow apparatus comprising: (a) pumping means for injecting a fluid through a conduit means into an inlet pipe of a fluid mixing tank, (b) said fluid mixing tank comprising a plurality of compartments connected in series and in fluid communication with adjacent compartments in the series, and designed to provide for a horizontal flow of fluids through each of the compartments from the first compartment to the last compartment in the series, wherein each compartment is separated from the following adjacent compartment in the series by a common vertical wall/partition forming a vertical opening between such adjacent compartments which extends from the bottom of such adjacent compartments to the top and functions as a vertical flow opening, and a common exit/entrance, between such adjacent compartments, (c) at least one compartment being equipped with one or more radial-flow impellers connected to a vertical shaft, and means for rotating such impellers at a rate designed to stir the contents of the compartment radially with high shear and prevent fluid stagnation, (d) at least one compartment being equipped with one or more axial flow impellers connected to a vertical shaft, and means for rotating such impellers at a rate designed to circulate the contents of the compartment vertically, (e) the inlet pipe being designed to introduce fluids into the first compartment, and (f) a means for withdrawing fluid from the apparatus through a discharge opening in the last compartment in the series.